While wins are not conducive to the Rangers success at the moment, you’ll never catch me scoffing at a win over the Philadelphia Flyers. The Rangers played a full 60 minute game and dominated from puck drop and never looked back. The line of Mika Zibanejad, Alexis Lafreniere, and Gabe Perreault owned the ice every time they were out. That trio combined for 4 goals and 3 assists, with Vincent Trocheck adding 3 assists as the new Rangers powerplay took control of the game, scoring three times and blowing the game open in the second period.
It’s becoming comical, what Mika Zibanejad does against the Flyers. I don’t know what that franchise did to him in a past life, but Mika was put on this earth to absolutely haunt Flyers fans, players, and executives. He has 15 points in his last 9 games against the Flyers, including a 3 point night last night, and now is only one point away from career point 800. Any doubts about his game have gone flying out the window.
While other leaders on the team have had a foot out the door or are just going through the motions and collecting a paycheck, Zibanejad has come to play this season. His newfound chemistry with Lafreniere and Perreault has suddenly given the Rangers life and, perhaps, a sliver of hope for the future. The big question is what happens when JT Miller returns, and whether Mike Sullivan will try to reunite Miller with Zibanejad and break up that line. Hopefully not.
What’s becoming a big story is how well Gabe Perreault has played since being put on this line. One play in particular from last night that stands out is the power play assist to Zibanejad to end the 2nd period. Perreault received the puck from Trocheck at the wall, one-touched it at the net mouth on his backhand to a wide open Mika for the 5-1 goal. It was the sort of play we used to see Chris Kreider make for so many years. Between that and his little shift at the slot to tap in his own goal on the powerplay, perhaps he is the net front presence they need. Amazing what happens when you play the kids.
While we gush about this new line, how about that Alexis Lafreniere? With Artemi Panarin gone, Lafreniere has looked more decisive in his puck management and shot selection, and perhaps that’s a product of shifting to playing with Zibanejad instead. This was evident on Lafreniere’s powerplay goal, which made it 3-0. In the past, when Lafreniere received the puck in the slot with a wide open look, he’d defer to Panarin. This time around, he ripped the one timer past Dan Vladar. This could just be one of his point streaks before he disappears for 10-15 games, but there’s a different level of engagement and confidence this time around.
On the broadcast, Brian Boyle–unprompted–brought up how Lafreniere may be forced into a leadership role, and that it’s ultimately a good thing for him. He has significant term left, and sometimes a guy just needs that little nudge. If Lafreniere (still just 24 years old) has finally found the secret formula for success, then with a high pick to compliment the top six, we will be cooking with gas in no time boys and girls.