How the New York Rangers can stack up wins following the All-Star break

Zibanejad and Kreider perform better at even strength

One of the major storylines of the first half of the season for New York was Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider's play at 5v5. For some games, they have failed to have offensive production at even strength, regardless of who was right wing.

There's no doubt that Zibanejad and Kreider are part of the engine that keeps New York going, and both have to become consistent threats at even strength. While both are weapons on the power play, New York cannot rely on the man-advantage or one line -- such as Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck and Alexis Lafreniere -- to carry the load at 5v5.

Expect Blake Wheeler to be the top-six right wing on the Kreider-Zibanejad line for the next few games, but there is also speculation that Chris Drury will make a trade for a right winger. No matter what happens, the goal is to get 20 and 93 going. If they are able to pick it up at even strength while also continuing to produce on the power play: watch out.