Rangers Adjust Power Play Units
The recent changes in the Rangers’ power play setup have raised some eyebrows.
Gabe Perreault, a former first-round draft choice and one of the team’s leading scorers post-Olympic break, found himself moved to the second power play unit last week. This shift came when struggling captain JT Miller was activated from injured reserve.
Head coach Mike Sullivan maintained that the decision wasn’t a demotion, although it certainly appeared that way.
Still, Perreault expressed that he wasn’t too taken aback by this adjustment, referencing the success the first unit has had. When asked if he was surprised by this change, he told reporters, “Not really. They’ve been really good all year. They’re in the game for a reason. When they’re out there, we feel really confident. The power play has been among the best in the league for quite some time.”
He added, “Just be ready when you get the call and don’t hold them back too much.”
Sullivan acknowledged on Friday that Miller has significantly contributed to the power play’s success, mentioning him alongside key players like Vincent Trocheck, Mika Zibanejad, and Adam Fox. Despite some injuries and lackluster production—only 14 goals and 38 points in 52 games—the first unit’s standing seemed secure.
Perreault recently ended a four-game point streak against the Kings and ranks seventh in the NHL with ten points since March 7. His recent consistency has finally seen him paired regularly with Zibanejad and Alexis Lafreniere.
Even after the shift to the second unit, Perreault managed to assist in a scoring play. Positioned on the left as Noah Laba entered the zone, he connected with the center, helping the Rangers to score early against the Wild.
Reflecting on the moment, he said, “Anytime you get a chance to score, especially on the power play, it’s exciting. I’m glad I could contribute.”
Lafreniere, during this time, has shone brightly, accumulating five goals and seven points over four games, even earning NHL First Star of the Week honors.
Sullivan noted that he’s been encouraging Lafreniere to be more aggressive in pursuing scoring opportunities closer to the net. “It’s tough to score just from the outside,” he remarked. “Those highlight goals are great, but real scoring often comes from being right in the action.” He believes this approach has benefited Lafreniere significantly.
On the ice, Igor Shesterkin was making his 42nd start of the season for the Rangers, both teams aiming for a fifth consecutive win. He entered the night with an impressive .936 save percentage recently. Notably, players Juuso Parsinen, Vincent Iorio, and Johnny Brodzinski were out due to injuries sustained in previous games.
