After remaining stagnant with his first 10 lineup cards, New York Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette had decided to change some stuff around before Sunday's matinee game against the New York Islanders. It worked flawlessly, as the Rangers made quick work of the Isles, 5-2.
One of the biggest changes was the first line which only kept center Mika Zibanejad on it. Removing Chris Kreider and Reilly Smith, he was now joined by Artemi Panarin and Alexis Lafreniere. This trio was firing on all cylinders out of the gate, and for Zibanejad, it may have saved his season.
The Revival
Zibanejad has been under this kind of microscope before. Many have doubted his ability to be a bonafide first-line center, and if he could be a "superstar" for a franchise. But, now his major critique is that he was not producing much of anything in the first 10 games of the year, and Laviolette was taking notice by diminishing his playtime. This did not sit well with Zibanejad, sparking a unique situation of awkwardness with the 14-year veteran.
But, with the most recent lineup changes, he found great benefit in having two brand-new linemates, and thankfully the chemistry started to click right away. With three assists, one being on Kreider's goal on the penalty kill, and another two apples to Panarin, he was able to shut some haters up. Not all, but at least some.
This lineup change is a great thing for him, and the Rangers as a whole. Kreider slid down to the third line with Filip Chytil and Kaapo Kakko, and a new look second-line of Will Cuylle and Vincent Trochek with Smith. Both of those lines were great in the first time together.
With two goals and eight assists on the year, Zibanejad now sits only behind linemate Panarin and is tied with Lafreniere in most points on the team. Throughout the season, they could develop into one of the best line combos in all of the NHL, but only time will tell on that. For now, it is working.