New York Rangers: Five improvements made since last season

A true first line

This improvement is not meant to be a shot taken on last year’s roster. Generally speaking, the Rangers frequently deployed their first two lines as 1A and 1B. However, this season has been much different with the absence of Derek Stepan.

Now, Alain Vigneault and his staff have one line, and center, that stick out most when thinking of their primary option. That line consists of Mika Zibanejad, Chris Kreider, and the aforementioned Pavel Buchnevich. Of course, in a very Vigneault manner, he has separated this group at times, just to come to the realization that they are easily the best trio of forwards on the roster.

Mika Zibanejad has a clean slate of health, giving him the honors of being a first-line center for the first time in his young career. It is no surprise that the emergence of Pavel Buchnevich has coincided with increased ice-time. Surprisingly, Chris Kreider is often the forgotten member of this elite trio as the elder statesmen.

As the season progresses, it will be this group that makes the biggest impact on the team’s success.