It's Friday, folks, and you all know what that means; it's Ask The Maven time. Today's question is from Hal Cringe of Mahwah. (Take it away, Hal.)
HOW CAN THE RANGERS GET MORE OUT OF MIKA ZIBANEJAD?
The Maven Responds: "For starters, the Blueshirts have a new coach. It's possible – but don't bet on it – that Z will pay attention to Mike Sullivan.
It's also possible – not probable – that Sully has consulted with bygone coach Peter Laviolette, who appears to be only communicating with the clouds; assuming that they will listen; but don't bet on that either.
If Lavvy were to give advice to Sullivan it might start with, "Give Mika a good, gratuitous kick in the pants" – if only to wake him up to reality. This much we know; Mika has talent and Mika listens only to his own drummer, him.
As my pal Sean McCaffrey points out, "Mika is getting top dollars to be a first-line center but now he's telling Sully he wants to be a second-line winger."
Go figure.
Z has been spoiled rotten by management, and the only way to unspoil him is to treat him with militant firmness. Sully should not let Zibanejad dictate policy, it's gotta come from the coach.
Mika Zibanejad's Role, Rangers' Potential Targets, And More NHL News
<b>1.</b> Mike Sullivan's been asking Mike Zibanejad where he wants to play and who he'd like for linemates. (When you think about it, that's very nice of Mike. No? Yes?)
If somehow Sullivan can forge an attitude change out of Mika, there still might be a 14-carat star lurking at training camp.
Bottom Line: Sully should be so lucky!