4 reasons to watch the 4 Nations Face-Off as a Rangers fan

The New York Rangers' 2024-25 season hasn't been smooth. With 27 games remaining, they're outside the Eastern Conference playoff picture. Yet there's a temporary break from the NHL grind as the 4 Nations Face-Off takes center stage.

With six Blueshirts competing in the tournament, it's the perfect time to shift focus and see how some fare on the international ice. Yes, it's already a must-watch it's shaped to be high-level hockey featuring NHL superstars representing their country. However, if one needs more incentive as a Rangers fan, here are four reasons why this tournament should hold hockey fans' attention.

1. Mika Zibanejad Needs a Spark

It's been a rough season for Rangers' alternate captain Mika Zibanejad. He's struggled offensively, with a subpar 11 goals and 37 points in 55 games. His defensive game has been messy, and his confidence has sometimes looked shot. Playing alongside William Nylander and Rickard Rakell for Team Sweden could help him find his rhythm.

Sometimes, a new environment and different linemates are what a player needs to get back on track. Zibanejad will likely get significant ice time, including power-play opportunities. If he starts lighting the lamp, that could be a huge confidence boost heading into the Rangers' stretch run.

2. How Will Adam Fox Handle More Offensive Responsibility?

With Vancouver captain Quinn Hughes out of the tournament, Adam Fox is Team USA's top offensive defenseman. That likely means increased man-advantage time and more opportunities to dictate play from the back end.

Fox is already elite at distributing the puck, but this is a chance for him to showcase his scoring touch — something the Rangers desperately need from him right now. If he gets more aggressive with his shot and takes on an even more significant role for the USA, maybe that will carry over when he returns to Broadway.

3. The J.T. Miller Chemistry Experiment

GM and President Chris Drury made a bold move by bringing J.T. Miller back to New York from the Vancouver Canucks, and this tournament is an interesting preview of how he might mesh with other Rangers. Miller will be playing with Chris Kreider, Vincent Trocheck and Fox on Team USA, giving them a chance to build chemistry before reuniting with the Rangers. These little things matter, and it's worth keeping an eye on how he's deployed and who he gels with.

Miller is slated to be on the third line alongside Brady Tkachuk and Matt Boldy. One of Miller's most significant assets is his versatility. He can play both center and wing. He brings a tenacity and edge that fits perfectly into the mold of a hard-nosed, do-it-all forward. He's not afraid to get into the dirty areas, can drive offense, and plays with the intensity that makes him a fan favorite.

Seeing how Team USA chooses to utilize him — whether as a top-six winger, a depth center, or a special teams weapon — will give Blueshirt fans a glimpse of what to expect when the NHL season resumes from break.

4. Urho Vaakanainen's Unexpected Opportunity

When the Rangers acquired Urho Vaakanainen in December from the Anaheim Ducks for Jacob Trouba, nobody expected him to play in a best-on-best international tournament. Yet, he's in as a result of Finland's blue line hit hard by injuries from Miro Heiskanen, Rasmus Ristolainen, and Jani Hakanpaa.

Vaakanainen is still a wild card but projects skating alongside another replacement in Nikolas Matinpalo of the Ottawa Senators.

His performance against top-tier competition could be telling. If he holds his own, the Rangers might have something more than just a depth piece for their defense. It's a reminder that the 25-year-old still has work to do if he struggles.

Between Zibanejad searching for his game, Fox putting America on his back, Miller's potential chemistry test, and Vaakanainen's dream opportunity, there's plenty for Rangers fans to track in the 4 Nations Face-Off. Hopefully, the opportunity to represent their countries in the tournament will help the Blueshirts participants turn the corner before the final push toward the playoffs.