Lazarus: Thanksgiving Mailbag Questions

First of all, I just wanted to say thank you to all the readers and the people that support my coverage of the New York Rangers. This season has been an absolute blast thus far and I have loved getting to meet some of you at Madison Square Garden. I am always open to meeting up in between periods or at Tir Na Nog after a big win. If you're ever at MSG and want to meet up, don't hesitate to DM me on Instagram or Twitter. 

Now, let's get into those questions from you, the readers. 

@AzrakMarvin: As we approach Thanksgiving, what are you most thankful for about the NYR start thus far?

This one is easy for me. I'd say I'm most thankful for Peter Laviolette. For the past few seasons I myself, along with many Rangers fans have wanted a coach to give Alexis Lafreniere and Kaapo Kakko the opportunity to thrive. Even if they're not seeing time on the first power play unit, Laviolette has put them in positions to succeed. Yes, Lafreniere has taken more advantage of this than Kakko, but the way that the Rangers head coach talks about both players is a breath of fresh air in itself. This is my first full season covering the team, and Laviolette has made it very comfortable for me to do my job. 

@AzrakMarvin: What will be the keys to unlocking 'Mika Magic'?

On this exact day last year, the Rangers were 20 games into their season. Mika Zibanejad had 10 goals and 12 assists for 22 points and looked like he was destined for a career year. A huge reason for that was his ability to convert on the power play. He had seven goals on the man-advantage, which was sparking the rest of his play. This season, the Rangers are 16 games in and Zibanejad has scored one power play goal. I think the most noticeable difference thus far is his passiveness. In those 20 games last season, Zibanejad put up 86 shots on goal. In the first 16 games of this season, he's only tallied 44 shots so far. There's been so many instances this season where Zibanejad has passed up a good scoring opportunity to make a pass. With that said, we all know he is a streaky player. Once he gets one, the confidence will go up and he will take off from there. 

@AzrakMarvin: If Kaapo Kakko isn't producing by the deadline, do the Rangers move on from him? 

I don't think so. Kakko has shown that he can be a solid role player if need be. I still think his ceiling can be very high, not as high as we once thought it was, but I still think the game he plays can translate well in the playoffs. Now, I'm not saying that means he'll put up points, but he can win battles, he can defend, and he possesses the puck well in the offensive zone. I don't think they're giving up on him so easily. 

@RyanSura18: What year will K’Andre Miller win his first Vezina Trophy? (Think he means Norris)

I'm a big fan of K'Andre Miller's, but I don't think he'll ever put up the offensive numbers to win a Norris trophy. We see what these other defensemen are doing around the league like Quinn Hughes, Adam Fox, Cale Makar, Vince Dunn, Erik Karlsson and so on. I just can't imagine Miller surpassing those guys. Especially while he's on a team with Fox who will always eat up the power play minutes. 

@nyrangersmuse: If you could change the result of one loss this season, which is it? 

I'd say that loss to the Predators on home ice was the Rangers worst loss of the season. That should have been a game that they won, but the effort wasn't there. A couple of other losses with blown leads come to mind, like the game in Minnesota and most recently in Dallas. But if you ask me, that loss at home against Nashville was really bad and had they won, they'd be undefeated on home ice still. 

@abeperez19: Do you think with the uncertainty of Chytil and Mika being a very streaky player that a middle six center should be the priority for Drury this trade deadline?

Looking at the list of upcoming free agents, there aren't a ton of middle six center's that stand out. One name that comes to mind is Jack Roslovic. His cap hit right now is at $4M per year, but he will be a UFA at the end of the season. Perhaps a trade involving Barclay Goodrow?

@shlizzy22: Do you pull Perreault out of college next season to fill our winger spots or let him play a Sophomore season?

I don't think it's even a thought. We've seen so many players thrive in their second and even third year of playing in college. I don't think it's smart to rush Perreault's development. Plus he needs to get a little bit stronger and faster before making the jump to the NHL. Let him learn and grow at BC, so when he steps into the Rangers he's a more confident version of himself.

@koko_costanza: How do you see injury management changing from last year to now?

I think because of the start that the team got off to this season, it allows them to be a tad more flexible when it comes to managing injuries. Players want to play in every game, especially when the team needs all the points they can get. Now that the Rangers have gained a little bit of breathing room there isn't as much desperation. This is a question I'm actually curious in asking Laviolette myself, especially with a guy like Lindgren who always has something going on. 

@mgweissman: If the Rangers do decide to look outside for a 1RW, who do you think are the best, most feasible options?

I think a Frank Vatrano reunion could be very possible. He has familiarity here and was successful. If the Anaheim Ducks aren't competitive come deadline time, there could be a chance. The Rangers would have to move some pieces as well, but Vatrano's cap hit is only $3.65M. 

@Igor4Vezina: What does the top line need to do to get going?

It's pretty alarming that Zibanejad, Kakko and Blake Wheeler only have three even-strength points each. Chris kreider has six and I'm assuming after the Dallas game that Kakko will be reunited with him and Zibanejad. They've been a little too passive. I'd like to see these three simplify their game a bit. By that I mean getting pucks from low-to-high and getting to the net, Kakko especially. They haven't able to generate much off of the rush. Their scoring chances come from sustaining pressure in the offensive zone, but I feel that these three haven't gotten any second or third chances. It's just a one-and-done. Getting inside defenders and trying to play a little more gritty will help this line. 

@JBsports22: When Chytil comes back, is it worth trying him on the wing with Kreids and Z to get them going?

I'm never against trying things like this out, especially this early in the season. I think the Rangers have to do whatever they can to get Zibanejad going specifically. To me, he is the teams most important goal scorer. When he's going, his impact is felt throughout the entire lineup. If that means trying Chytil on the wing, I'm all for it. 

@Roth3737: What do you think K2's main issue is, and why is it confidence? Real question: do you think PL moving K2 to L3 (when 5v5 Mika & Kreids are absent AND Wheeler hadn't done much to get bumped up) was a confidence killer for K2?

First of all, I have never seen anyone refer to Kakko as "K2", but I asked Laviolette this specific question and that move was more so to give Wheeler an opportunity to play with the big boys than it was a demotion for Kakko. Wheeler has been a 90 point player in this league and had nothing going at the time, so Laviolette wanted to see what that tweak would do. Kakko hadn't done enough to stay up there. Kakko's confidence was down before that adjustment was made, but it certainly didn't help. Now that Kakko got saw one go in the back of the net, maybe he'll start to get in a groove. 

@olandru2: Given the rough road schedule, is the current 12-3-1 record ahead/behind where you’d expect?

I think 99% of people would say the 12-3-1 record is a very pleasant surprise, especially with how this team looked in the preseason. 

@olandru2: If you could make one change to the current team/lines what would it be?

I got in a couple of arguments about it on Twitter the other night, but I'd be interested to see Zibanejad in between Panarin and Lafreniere for a game. Obviously Trocheck, Panarin and Lafreniere have been clicking very well, and I don't necessarily want to split them up, but I'd be curious to see how Zibanejad clicks with those two. I also happen to think Kreider with Trocheck and Kakko makes a pretty decent line. 

@olandru2: After 16 games who is your current, MVP - MIP - Underrated - Underachiever?

MVP: Artemi Panarin

MIP (most improved player): Alexis Lafreniere 

Underrated: Jacob Trouba 

Underachiever: Before getting hurt, Filip Chytil

@MrEd315: In your estimation, which Rangers have been a big surprise to you? 

I'd say Erik Gustafsson has been the biggest surprise, but I've also been very happy with Trouba and Will Cuylle. Trouba has been phenomenal defensively thus far this season and is 2nd in the league in blocked shots. Trouba and Cuylle are tied for the team lead with 43 hits. I love the physicality these two bring. 

@tylertenny: Is that Rangers mystery jersey that leaked a few weeks ago legit and, if so, when do you think it will be officially announced?

I can't confirm or deny. I haven't really heard much in regard to this specific topic, but the helmets and gloves they've been wearing in practice appear to match. 

@Blueshirtboys94: What has been the key for Artemi to get off to such an electric start to the season? (and yes I already know shaving his head is a piece of it)

I think Panarin has had much more of a shoot-first mentality. He's leading the team with 66 shots on goal right now and is playing way more aggressively than in years past. He's been more responsible defensively and it's leading him to more offense. 

Thanks to everyone that submitted questions! I will be doing more of these throughout the season. 

Tonight should be a fun contest against the Penguins and I hope everyone enjoys their Thanksgiving!