It seems Alain Vigneault is not content with the present. That’s why he is making more changes to the Rangers lineup, ahead of tomorrow night’s game against the Capitals.
According the team’s official twitter, @NYRangers, Blueshirts could be seeing changes tomorrow night, including special teams.
#NYR lines at practice: Nash-Brassard-Zuccarello; Kreider-Stepan-Fast; Lindberg-Hayes-Stalberg; Stoll-Moore-Miller Extra: Etem
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) November 2, 2015
Looks like the first two lines will see the usual suspects. However, the bottom six forwards will a little bit of change, as the head coach continues to tinker with the third and fourth lines. Viktor Stalberg, who has been out of action since the Flyers game, may make his return to the lineup tomorrow night alongside Oscar Lindberg and Kevin Hayes.
In preseason, both Lindberg and Stalberg seemed to make some magic producing some offensive firepower. However, that appeared to fizzle as the regular season started. Stalberg fell back onto the fourth line, while Lindberg has been displaying his offensive prowess, ranking second on the team in goals (5) and goal differential with +8, while ranking third on the team in points (7).
Oct 10, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers center
(21) celebrates his goal with left wing Viktor Stalberg (25) during the third period against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Madison Square Garden. New York Rangers won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
It seems Vigneault is wanting to try it out again, see if the magic is still there. Even though Lindberg and J.T. Miller have shown good chemistry recently, the bench boss is probably wanting to see the Swedish connection can be rekindled. Stalberg may get an added boost with playmakers in both his fellow countryman and Kevin Hayes. As fans have seen, the sophomore center likes to hold onto the puck, looking for an open teammate.
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Stalberg has shown to get up the ice quickly, and provides a big body-presence that will be difficult for the Capitals defense to move in front of the net.
With Stalberg’s proposed return, this could mean Miller will be seeing time on the fourth line tomorrow night. The Rangers former first-round draft choice has not been looking as strong as many have liked.
Despite setting up Lindberg on many of his goals this season, Miller has appeared to be struggling with the puck, often giving it away by deferring to pass, rather than taking the open shot. His demotion to the fourth line might be a signal of lost confidence from Vigneault.
It’s his message to get it together, cause Emerson Etem is itching to get back in the lineup. Miller may also be relieved of his duties on the power play, as defenseman Kevin Klein saw another opportunity with the power play unit in today’s practice.
Previously described as having one of the hardest shots on the team, Klein will find a spot with the team’s second unit. If this is indeed true, Vigneault better use him more than :22 the last time he saw time on the man-advantage.
Read More on Kevin Klein: Kevin Klein Finally on the Power Play
Speaking of the power play, the previously mentioned Lindberg is being tried out. It seems Vigeanult is taking our advice and dabbling in what the rookie is able to do.
#NYR working on PP right now & Oscar Lindberg getting a look; Unit One-61-16-36-27-21; Unit Two: 20-13-24-93-8
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) November 2, 2015
There’s no need to beat a dead horse with trying to reason this move. Let’s just say, it’s worth a shot.
Read More on Oscar Lindberg: Struggling New York Rangers Power Play, Could Lindberg Be A Consideration?
It looks like Miller is in hot water, and losing faith with the coaching staff. With his role being reduced tomorrow night, where will he go from here?