Youth on the power game
Of all the on-ice changes the Rangers need to make, getting the youth on the power play is crucial. If Alexis Lafreniere is off the ice for even one second of first-unit power play time after the Olympic break, everyone in the Rangers organization should be fired. The Rangers need to give Lafreniere every opportunity once and for all to prove he is a valuable player. No demotions, no “we want a different look”, just let him drive. If it works, you’ve unlocked something. If not, you’ll lose games anyway.
This is also a great opportunity to get Gabe Perreault reps for the first unit. Adam Fox will eventually return, so having Lafreniere and Perreault receiving passes from the all-world defender could really help their confidence. Playing for the kids in all situations is one of the most crucial on-ice changes the Rangers must make if they are to be at all successful in the future.
Promote Dylan Garand
Jonathan Quick has been the worst goaltender in the league for months, but the Rangers seemingly have no desire to promote longtime Hartford native Dylan Garand. New York also has journeyman Spencer Martin, who will support Quick as the tank moves forward. Igor Shesterkin will return from injury in time, but there is little to no downside to giving Garand some reps in the NHL. Plus, it keeps the Rangers from sending Shesterkin back too quickly.
I understand the concerns about Garand’s confidence behind the atrocious Rangers defence, but it can’t be much better that his confidence is passed over time and time again by the big club, right? Plus, it’s not like Hartford is doing any better.
Additionally, Garand will be eligible for waivers soon enough and will either be traded or be a backup to the Rangers. It’s strange that the team doesn’t want to see what they have.
Let Mika cook
The on-ice changes the Rangers need to make should focus on playing the youth, but focusing on the incredible play of Mika Zibanejad would be a smart move for the organization. Zibanejad is rebuilding his value, which will help on the trade market if he wants to waive his no-move clause in the future. That’s unlikely, so the other benefit is you get reps with that youth to build a strong top line with a solid 1C and wingers with top line potential. Mika Zibanejad finishing the season strong would be a huge win for the Rangers in an otherwise lost season.
Find something – anything – worth building from
This season and last season were horrible. The Rangers need and need a major change in atmosphere, and that can only come from the changes the Rangers need to make. One of those changes is simply finding something to build on. I’m not asking for a ten-game winning streak, but for something good for the Rangers on the ice.
Maybe it wipes out the Devils or Penguins on any given night. Maybe it’s a Gabe Perreault hat trick. Maybe it’s a Matt Rempe hat trick. Whatever it is, the Rangers need it. This team needs to go into the offseason and not feel hopeless.
No matter how many changes the Rangers have to make, another hopeless offseason will derail anything positive they can do in the coming months.
#onice #Rangers