"Can we stop already with the Mika (Zibanejad) hate," asserts Roundtable analyst Jess Rubenstein, "until we see what Mike Sullivan intends to do with the lines."
The Maven apologizes; I should have thought about this myself.
That is; Jess got it right. The time has come for all of us to just shut up with the Mika Zibanejad talk.
It's wasteful, useless and thanks also to Roundtable Member Mark Linde for once and for all waking The Maven up to this issue., Here's the message I got from Sir Linde:
"Everyone has to stop worrying about Mika, his exorbitant no-trade contract, and his status as a first-line player.
"True, he was a disaster last year – but so was the rest of the team. It's up to coach Mike Sullivan – and the rest of his staff – to get Mika's head back to believing that he can contribute like the player he was just two seasons ago.
"Sully has to find the right spot in the lineup for Mika to succeed; whether it's the first line, second line, third line – center or wing – it doesn't matter.
"Get him feeling positive about himself and this fresh start. Hopefully he will rebound."
How Can The Rangers Get More Out Of Mika Zibanejad?
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.)
Well said, Sir Rempe. Now it's up to Sullivan and Z to make him the asset he once was; a challenge to be sure, but well worth one more try.
Here's the perfect squelch from Jess: "Mika is not the only problem facing the Rangers. There are a whole bunch of issues!"