The Four Nations Face Off begins tomorrow, and though we don’t know what to expect from the tournament, there are still some headlines to watch for the Rangers. The Blueshirts are sending six players to the tournament, and each one has something to prove. Over the next two weeks, we may learn a lot about what Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad have left in the tank, plus other storylines to follow.
Mika Zibanejad – What’s left in the tank?
When the Rangers acquired JT Miller, they moved Zibanejad to his wing with Artemi Panarin, and that line absolutely dominated in a short sample. They were broken up, as the Rangers lacked center depth and Jonny Brodzinski, while a fine replacement player, isn’t the long term answer at 3C. So the Rangers moved Zibanejad back to center.
But even before the Miller trade, Zibanejad had clearly woken up. The Rangers played 19 games since the turn of the new year, and Zibanejad has put up a solid 5-11-16. In the 5 games since the Miller trade, it’s 2-6-8, which is very impressive.
Sweden tentatively has Zibanejad as their 1C for the Four Nations Face Off, which will give us an indication whether Zibanejad can still handle center duties. Matchups and deployment matters as well. If Zibanejad can handle the center position and responsibilities while facing lesser competition, that may be Peter Laviolette’s best path forward. If not, then wing is probably the best bet for Zibanejad to extend his career.
Chris Kreider – Injured, or declining?
Chris Kreider has had a rough season. We know the back spasms were a problem earlier in the season, and it’s on the Rangers for yet again mismanaging an injury. Harping on the Rangers injury management won’t do us any good, and it’s assumed that Kreider is good to go since he could have opted out of the tournament.
Kreider is currently rotating as the 13F for Team USA at the Four Nations Face Off, it will be tough for him to crack the lineup as an every game player for USA this tournament. But if he gets into the lineup, much like Zibanejad, we will see how he looks and whether this season is a decline or just a blip.
Generally speaking, Kreider’s skill set ages well and isn’t prone to steep drop offs. But injuries can accelerate the matter.
JT Miller – Is the drama behind him?
When the Rangers acquired JT Miller, he came with drama and attitude concerns. To simplify the issue, Miller amplifies the mood in the locker room. Good vibes? He’s great. Bad vibes? He sulks. That was one of the issues in Vancouver, as it was clear the locker room was fractured.
If Team USA fizzles out at the Four Nations Face Off, will we see reports about Miller’s attitude? He’s a vocal guy, much like Vincent Trocheck. Can Trocheck keep him in line? What about Kreider, who is a less vocal leader?
Miller will play with Brady Tkachuk, which will only fuel the Tkachuk to the Rangers “rumors” that were never actually rumors.
Vincent Trocheck – Can he regain his defensive play?
When the Rangers signed Vincent Trocheck, they were signing a two-way center to shore up their top six. Trocheck has spent the majority of his time with Artemi Panarin and Alexis Lafreniere with tremendous offensive results. However the defensive game slipped, possibly due to linemates and matchups/deployment.
Trocheck is currently slated for a 4C role with Brock Nelson and Dylan Larkin for Team USA at the Four Nations Face off, and looks to be more of a “shutdown” player for Team USA. It may not be his role with the Rangers, but getting back on track defensively is what the Rangers truly need. His offense won’t go away, but that’s not the problem right now. Finding his defensive game again is critical if the Rangers want to make a legitimate run this year.
Adam Fox – Is it really just Ryan Lindgren?
Adam Fox has not had an Adam Fox-esque season. He still has 44 points in 55 games this season, on par for his ~75 point career average, but beyond the points, the rest of his game is off. He’s been a liability defensively, and most of us have pointed the finger at Ryan Lindgren, as Fox has been handicapped with Lindgren on the ice.
Is that a fair assumption? Sure, it’s fair, but it is still an assumption that may not be correct. It’s more of an educated guess.
Fox is slated to be on Team USA’s top pair with Jaccob Slavin at the Four Nations Face Off. If Fox looks like his old self against the “best in the world,” then we know the issue. If not, then hopefully this is just a blip.
For what it’s worth, most of Fox’s peripheral stats look the same. It’s more about the egregious defensive lapses while he’s on the ice. It’s not isolated to Fox, but we’ve seen more with him on the ice. If that’s a byproduct of Lindgren, then we should see a bounce back in the tournament.
Urho Vaakanainen – worth re-signing?
Urho Vaakanainen is slowly turning into a great find for the Rangers. Acquired in the Jacob Trouba trade, Vaakanainen struggled–along with every other Ranger–until very recently. Now, as his game turns around, he may actually be the guy carrying Braden Schneider instead of the opposite. More on that later this week.
Vaakanainen, a restricted free agent, is playing for another contract. He’s been quietly steady for the Rangers over the last month and is probably underappreciated. A strong showing, even if it isn’t flashy, goes a long way for a guy looking to finally stick on a roster. Since the Rangers are likely trading Lindgren and have been quiet on K’Andre Miller, Vaakanainen could be in for a larger role next season if he plays well.
A late add to Finland’s roster for the Four Nations Face Off, Vaakanainen potentially has the most to gain.
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