New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad has missed the last eight games. The team has played well in his absence, recording five wins and gaining 11 out of a possible 16 points (save for a blowout at the hands of the Tampa Bay Lightning Thursday night).
Players have stepped up in Zibanejad’s absence to carry the load. Ryan Strome, three goals with eight points, Artemi Panarin, three goals, and 12 points, Kaapo Kakko, five goals, six points, have all been productive over this seven-game span.
The creative part for David Quinn revolves around how to put Zibanejad back into the lineup without disrupting its success, while at the same time, allowing Mika to get back to scoring goals.