Rangers star forward receives a significant promotion within the organization after latest announcement
Photo credit: NHL.com
New York Rangers forward receives a major promotion within the organization following this latest development from the team's practice this morning.
During Sunday's practice, Alexis Lafrenière replaced Mika Zibanejad on the team's main power play group, as head coach Peter Laviolette is looking to change things up.
New York's first unit consisted of Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider, Vincent Trocheck, Adam Fox and now Alexis Lafrenière.
Lafrenière has seen some time on the first unit in the pass but just hasn't been placed in that role consistently, but that looks like it's about to change if the youngster can prove himself there.
Meanwhile, Reilly Smith, Filip Chytil, Will Cuylle, K'Andre Miller and Mika Zibanejad who was just moved of the first power play unit will now make up the Rangers second unit.
Zibanejad was recently asked about the demotion and he felt about it, and he gave is honest feelings and didn't hold back from what he wanted to say.
Here's what Mika Zibanejad had to say according to Mollie Walker of the New York Post:
«I don't think there's time for that right now, this has nothing to do with me personally or something that I'm going to make about myself.»
«We're not in a place in our season to feel sorry for yourselfIt's a different opportunity, it's another opportunity for that unit with Laffy coming up - and deservedly so. Honestly, just for me, to help the unit that I'm playing on and we go from there.»
«We're not in a place in our season to feel sorry for yourselfIt's a different opportunity, it's another opportunity for that unit with Laffy coming up - and deservedly so. Honestly, just for me, to help the unit that I'm playing on and we go from there.»
The Rangers are currently ranked at 23rd among all NHL teams in power play percentage as they sit at 17.9%.
However, things took an ugly turn on Saturday night when the Rangers faced the Tampa Bay Lightning and gave up two short-handed goals, ultimately leading them to a 6-2 defeat.
«It's supposed to be a strength of our team,» Chris Kreider said about New York's power play. «Tonight it was a detriment.»
Regardless of all this, only time will tell if putting Lafreniere on the first power play unit will make a difference for the New York Rangers.
Previously on NYRangersInsider
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 29 | 1934 ANSWERS Rangers star forward receives a significant promotion within the organization after latest announcement Do you think Alexis Lafreniere should have been on the first power play unit for a while now? | ||
| Yes | 1641 | 84.9 % |
| No | 293 | 15.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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