Rangers coach explains booting Mika Zibanejad off top power-play unit: ‘It’s not working’
Mika Zibanejad, a long-time fixture on the New York Rangers power play, was removed from the No. 1 unit at practice Sunday. And Rangers coach Peter Laviolette had a simple explanation.
“It’s not working,” Laviolette told reporters. “We’re working on things, we’re trying things. If eventually they’re not working, you have to move things around a little bit. I don’t know if it’s permanent or not, but right now it’s where it’s at.”
Zibanejad was demoted to the second unit and Alexis Lafreniere bumped up to play with the first group. Laviolette actually made that in-game switch during the 6-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday, and then stayed with the changed personnel at practice the following day.
The Rangers had one of the top power plays in the NHL for several seasons — they were third at 26.4 percent in 2023-24 — but not this one. After a fast start, the Rangers have tumbled all the way to 23rd in the League on the power play (17.9 percent).
They were 0-for-4 against the Lightning and allowed two short-handed goals. The Rangers are without a power-play goal in seven straight games, 0-for-20 in that span. Since Nov 12, a stretch of 21 games, the Rangers have six power-play goals, three of which came in one game against the Montreal Canadiens on Nov. 30.
The brutal drop in special teams production is a big reason — but far from the only one — why the Rangers are last in the Metropolitan Division, tied for 13th in the Eastern Conference and in a stunning 4-14-0 death spiral.
Related: 3 Rangers takeaways from 6-2 loss to Lightning, including brutal special teams
Mika Zibanejad says Rangers’ power-play change ‘has nothing to do with me’
Zibanejad scored 10 or more power-play goals in each of the past seven seasons with the Rangers, including 20 two seasons ago and 15 twice. This season he has two power-play goals. That’s part of a massive decline in his play overall. The 31-year-old is pointless in seven consecutive games and has just 21 points (six goals, 15 assists) in 35 games. He’s also a minus-21.
Laviolette recently dropped Zibanejad to the third line at even strength and cut back on his minutes. Zibanejad was back between Chris Kreider and Reilly Smith 5v5 against the Lightning, and Laviolette praised their work, though that line didn’t generate a goal.
The No. 1 PP unit has long consisted of Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck, Adam Fox, Kreider and Zibanejad. Only Zibanejad was taken off that unit at practice Sunday, though Kreider was a healthy scratch Monday, when the Rangers were shut out by the New Jersey Devils 5-0.
Zibanejad was asked if he’s disappointed about the demotion.
“I don’t think there’s time for that right now. This has nothing to do with me personally or something that I’m going to make about myself. We’re not in a place in our season to feel sorry for yourself,” he said. “It’s a different opportunity, it’s another opportunity for that unit with ‘Laffy’ coming up — and deservedly so. Honestly, just for me, to help the unit that I’m playing on and we go from there.”
The second PP unit consists of K’Andre Miller, Filip Chytil, Will Cuylle, Smith and Zibanejad.
Lafreniere is also mired in a massive slump. He has nine goals on the season, two on the power play, though none in his past nine games and just one in 17. His play dipped significantly since he signed a hefty $52.15 million contract extension last month that begins next season.
Zibanejad, Lafreniere and the rest of the Rangers look to get back on track Monday, when they visit the Florida Panthers in their final game of calendar year 2024.
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