The Rangers Have A New Big Three And They Are A Force To Be Reckoned With

The New York Rangers have struck lightning in a bottle by assembling their new line of Mika Zibanejad, J.T. Miller and Will Cuylle. 

Since being put on the same line together, the newly established trio has been a force to be reckoned with in many different ways. 

Offensively, they move the puck like clockwork and always seem to be buzzing in the opponent's zone playing a showtime style of hockey. 

It starts on the defensive end as Zibanejad, Miller and Cuylle are all considered to be reliable two-way forwards. 

The mastermind behind this explosive line, Peter Laviolette, explained why he believes these three players have been able to gel so well together. 

“They are three good players for one,” Laviolette said. “Maybe a little bit different, they are not the same player. They have worked, they have clicked. They work hard, they compete hard, they’re pretty responsible defensively. They draw some tough assignments, so they are all capable of handling that and offensively they seem to be clicking. You don’t know what’s going to work and what’s not going to work, but it started once some trades were made and it ended up where we are now.”

You could analyze the reasoning for why the three talented forwards have clicked to a level that has exceeded everyone’s expectations, but Miller believes the answer is actually pretty simple. 

“Just predictability,” Miller said on what’s working with his line. “Not trying to reinvent the wheel. We just get it in and when we get the pucks in, have a good forecheck. We have enough skill to hurt the other team. Definitely keep it simple. We play good defense. Keep it simple through the neutral zone… It’s been fun playing with them so far.”

The chemistry between Zobanejad and Miller has sparked the most attention. 

Both of their hockey IQs are off the charts and somehow they always know how to find each other on the ice. 

Zibanejad has been playing his best hockey of the season while Miller is looking like the superstar we saw with the Vancouver Canucks last season.

This undeniable chemistry stems from their days playing with the Rangers many, many years ago Since reuniting in New York, it has grown to new heights.

“It was like 8, 9 years ago we played together, but obviously being familiar with his game helped,” Zibanejad said. “I think it’s been good. I would say he’s easy to play with and he communicates a lot on the bench, what he sees, what he wants. In terms of that I think it’s been good.”

Will Cuylle’s impact should not be overlooked, either. His physical presence has allowed his new linemates to thrive.

The 23-year-old plays like a power forward. Both offensively and defensively, Cuylle uses his big frame to etch his mark and it’s safe to say Zibanejad loves what he brings to the table on a nightly basis.

“I think he skates well,” Zibanejad said. “He has all the attributes you want in a good player. He can skate, he can hit, he can shoot. The more and more he plays, he reads the situations more. He understands the situations he’s in in terms of making a play. He’s just been getting better and better, so it’s been fun.”

If this trio stays intact and continues to wreak havoc, the Rangers will have a much greater chance of making the playoffs. 

Watch out for New York’s new big three.