Through the first three games Chris Kreider, Mika Zibanejad and Reilly Smith are still trying to figure out their chemistry.
The New York Rangers line of Chris Kreider, Mika Zibanejad and Reilly Smith is progressing, but still needs some work before it gets to perfection.
Through the first three games this line has certainly had their ups and downs.
Kreider and Zibanejad are a duo that’s been intact for years, but they’ve struggled to find a third running mate.
That’s why the Rangers went out and acquired Smith to be the third partner in crime for Kreider and Zibanejad and finally solidify the team’s top-six.
Through a pretty short sample size, Rangers coach Peter Laviolette has liked some aspects of their play and feels that they are moving along well.
“This was only our third game of the year,” Laviolette said. “It’s not like we were in game 12. I thought in Pittsburgh that line played a heck of a game and tonight they were productive. Beautiful play on the power play. You got Mika walking in and seeing Kreider on the back door.”
In New York’s second game against the Utah Hockey Club, these three players just didn’t seem to mesh all that well together.
However, in the next matchup against the Detroit Red Wings, both Smith and Zibanejad scored for the first time this season while they all played with a confidence that is encouraging.
