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Head coach Mike Sullivan explains blunt reasoning behind changing up the New York Rangers lineups
Photo credit: New York Post
Head coach Mike Sullivan issues blunt reasoning behind why he has decided to shake up the New York Rangers lineups against the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday night.
Earlier on Thursday afternoon, head coach Mike Sullivan made several significant changes to his lineups ahead of their upcoming game against the Colorado Avalanche.
During the New York Rangers morning practice on Thursday, Mike Sullivan decided to make a few drastic changes to his lineup, as it appears he has decided to break up Mika Zibanejad and J.T. Miller, as the Rangers' second line will now have Zibanejad at centre. While Miller will play alongside Vincent Trocheck on the first line.
Top-six shakeup for the #NYR
Panarin-Trocheck-Miller
Cuylle-Zibanejad-Lafrenière
Panarin-Trocheck-Miller
Cuylle-Zibanejad-Lafrenière
Along with this, the New York Rangers power-play units also seen a few changes:
#NYR PP1: Fox-Trocheck-Miller-Panarin-Zibanejad
PP2: Morrow-Sheary-Brodzinski-Cuylle-Lafrenière
PP2: Morrow-Sheary-Brodzinski-Cuylle-Lafrenière
Mike Sullivan explains blunt reasoning behind switching up the New York Rangers lines
However, following the Rangers' practice, Sullivan met with the media and didn't hold back on why he decided to make these changes. Here's what he had to say:
#NYR coach Mike Sullivan on the new Panarin-Trocheck-Miller line:
"We're trying to find some combinations here that give us a more consistent threat offensively. Although I think Troch's line has drove a lot of offense, I feel like Mika and J.T., in the last handful of games, haven't been as effective offensively. So sometimes, to effect a little bit of change from a personnel standpoint, can help those guys capture their best games."
"We're trying to find some combinations here that give us a more consistent threat offensively. Although I think Troch's line has drove a lot of offense, I feel like Mika and J.T., in the last handful of games, haven't been as effective offensively. So sometimes, to effect a little bit of change from a personnel standpoint, can help those guys capture their best games."
He's certainly not wrong, but hopefully this actually gives the team the extra boost they need to complete a full 60 minutes while being out on the ice.
Previously on NY Hockey Insider
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