As the Rangers continue to roll to start the 2024-2025 season, a primary focus has been on the forward lines. We know the third line has been a driving force and the top line has continued where the left off. The fourth line has been a pleasant surprise as well. The focus was on the second line, the Mika Zibanejad line. But are they truly the second line? The Rangers 5v5 ice time indicates that may not be the case anymore.

The Zibanejad line received all the attention in the offseason. After all, they were considered a disappointment last season as the top line. Their role had changed under Peter Laviolette, getting matched up against top competition for most of the season. The addition of Reilly Smith was made to add some more two-way, steady offense. They aren’t off to the greatest start, but the Rangers 5v5 ice time has actually started to reflect this.

No, folks, your eyes are not playing tricks on you. The Rangers 5v5 ice time has shifted in favor of the Will Cuylle-Filip Chytil-Kaapo Kakko line. Through 8 games, they are second in 5v5 TOI, which by the purest definition makes then the Rangers second line. The Zibanejad line is only 8 minutes behind them, but behind them nonetheless, making them the third line. Again, by the purest of definitions.

Rangers 5v5 ice time indicates roles, not contracts

As mentioned on Live From the Blue Seats, the contracts don’t matter anymore. At least not for this season. It would be nice to see the combined $18.75 million playing in a top-six role at 5v5. And to be fair, eight minutes over eight games is splitting hairs. What matters more in the Rangers 5v5 ice time is less about minutes and line labeling, and more about roles and special teams ice time.

The top line, the Artemi Panarin line, gets the lion’s share of the 5v5 minutes. That’s expected. They are the Rangers top line and continue to produce as such.

Instead of nitpicking the Rangers 5v5 ice time, let’s just refer to both the Zibanejad line and the Chytil line as middle lines. After all, one line is being deployed in more of a shutdown role, lining up against the Sidney Crosbys and Dylan Larkins of the league. The other is filling in against those lines here and there while also getting matched up against second lines. For what it’s worth, there is no major difference in zone starts for either line.

The contracts don’t matter anymore, that’s missing the forest for the trees. Would it be nice if production went off cap hit? Sure, but it’s not realistic and also wildly contradictory of a fan base clamoring for the Rangers 5v5 ice time to be earned, not given to veterans. Peter Laviolette has adjusted the Rangers 5v5 ice time. There isn’t more to ask of him right now, at least for this specific situation.

Rolling 4 effective lines

Rolling four effective lines had been an issue for the Rangers in the past. Chytil’s injury last year neutered the bottom-six’s ability to drive offense, putting more pressure on the powerplay. Alex Wennberg provided defensive stability, but the offense was non-existent and the Rangers fizzled out in the Eastern Conference Final.

Assuming health, the Rangers now have the luxury of splitting the 5v5 ice time more efficiently across the four lines. With three legitimate offensive threats plus a fourth line that has been quietly solid, the Rangers now have a very deep team, eliminating some major flaws from last year’s squad.

Wanting more doesn’t always mean needing more

As fans, we all want more out of the Zibanejad line. That’s human nature, especially for a guy signed to be the Rangers’ 1C. But wanting more and needing more don’t always line up. Through 8 games this season, Zibanejad has a line of 2-4-6, same as Smith. Kreider has a line of 5-0-5. All three have one point each on the powerplay, so most of this production is at 5v5 (Kreider has a short handed goal too).

Beyond the score sheet, and this is where we’d like to see them improve a bit, the Kreider-Zibanejad-Smith trio has had some trouble with shot and xG shares. They are currently holding a rough 45.91% shot share and a 44.08% xG share, though their high-danger shot share is an even 50%. This is mostly due to defensive play, with an unusually high xGA/60 (3.44) doing most of the damage. It’s early, and the Rangers have been a bit slow defensively to start the season.

The “need” is probably some better defensive play, which should balance out as the season drags on. The “want” is more offense, which isn’t really justified given the Rangers 5v5 ice time splits thus far.

If you’re looking for an adjustment from Peter Laviolette, look no further than the Rangers 5v5 ice time. He sees it. We all do. As long as we avoid missing the forest for the trees–overall team roles and performance within those roles vs. individual contracts–then we can settle in and be happy about the on-ice product thus far.

The New York Rangers are a Stanley Cup contender, in no small part due to these 5v5 ice time splits and defined roles. They aren’t perfect, but they are a top tier team.

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