The top line continues to lead the way in an unfortunate week for the Rangers.
Week 19 was far from ideal for the New York Rangers.
They notched a big win against their division rivals, the Washington Capitals, but lost a tough one to their other rivals, the Pittsburgh Penguins, and made the Vancouver Canucks look much better than they are.
The Rangers have one of the best power plays in hockey and couldn’t generate any offense against the Canucks’ worst penalty kill in the game.
A positive that fans as well as the coaching staff were able to take away from the losing week, however, is that the Rangers’ top line is phenomenal. Even the young Alexis Lafrenière is thriving, playing the best hockey of his career.
Mika Zibanejad continues to be the team’s best forward, as of late, and was the Rangers’ best player last week.
Player of the Week: C Mika Zibanejad
vs. WSH: 1 G, 1 A
vs. VAN: 1 A
Average Game Score: 1.84
Average defensive impact: 0.27
Zibanejad put up points this week, played good defense, and was a solid playmaker.
The drop pass.
The shot. ? pic.twitter.com/YT8iQpi32Z— x – New York Rangers (@NYRangers) February 25, 2022
He was the team’s second-best player in their first two games of the week and was their best player against the Canucks. His 3.19 Game Score against the Capitals was his third-highest of the season.
This was almost a quintessential strong week for Zibanejad, who’s been an MVP for his team this season, especially since catching fire a few months ago.
The Rangers are much better when Zibanejad plays like the superstar everyone knows he can be and it’s good to see him have such sustained success, as of late.
When he does well, the guys around him do well, as we’re seeing with his linemates, Lafrenière and Kreider.
Honorable Mention #1: RW Alexis Lafrenière
vs. WSH: 1 G, 1 A
vs. VAN: 1 G, 1 A
Average Game Score: 1.58
Average defensive impact: 0.09
Blue gum szn pic.twitter.com/lQE6lljJ4E
— x – New York Rangers (@NYRangers) February 25, 2022
The chemistry lives on. pic.twitter.com/UCYT9oS3na
— x – New York Rangers (@NYRangers) February 28, 2022
Honorable Mention #2: LW Chris Kreider
vs. WSH: 1 G
Average Game Score: 1.46
Average defensive impact: 0.14
Top line tonight ? pic.twitter.com/cRBmo1uxZh
— x – New York Rangers (@NYRangers) February 25, 2022
