Mika Zibanejad has been a key player for the New York Rangers for several years, but he is now responding to Head Coach Peter Laviolette’s decision to give him decreasing ice time.
As the Rangers embark on the 2024/25 season as strong contenders for the Stanley Cup in the Eastern Conference, they have started well with a record of 6-2-1 over their first nine games. However, there may be tension brewing, particularly with the top line of Chris Kreider, Mika Zibanejad, and Reilly Smith, as their ice time has significantly diminished this season. Recently, Zibanejad faced criticism regarding his work ethic, and it seems that similar concerns are being voiced behind the scenes as he struggles to replicate his past performances.
Zibanejad expressed his frustration when asked about the situation, noting that after averaging over 20 minutes per game in recent years, he is now logging approximately 18 minutes this season. “You can feel it on the bench,” he said after a morning skate before facing the Capitals. “I was averaging over 20 minutes a few years back and felt really good with that because it helped me find a better rhythm.”
Unfortunately, the top line hasn’t clicked like it used to; they have allowed and scored three goals in 5v5 situations this season, while other lines have been performing better. Laviolette, aiming to spread minutes among players, seems to be making adjustments. Despite their past chemistry, the line is struggling in 2024/25, and Zibanejad believes that reduced ice time won’t benefit them, though he hopes they can start to find their rhythm soon. “I don’t think anyone wants to play less, honestly. We haven’t had that game where everything goes in,” he commented.
In their recent loss to the Washington Capitals, Laviolette remarked that the team was outperformed, and with Kreider and Zibanejad not producing as they have in prior seasons, more changes could be on the horizon. “Our first period had much more energy than ours did… It didn’t improve much in the second and third,” he said. Though this line is crucial for the Rangers as the season progresses, reduced ice time early on may not be critical, but if it continues, it could become a developing story to monitor.
