New York Rangers Coach Sheds Light on Pre-Season Plans
Mike Sullivan recently wrapped up his summer tour, making a pit stop in Sweden to catch up with Mika Zibanejad. The purpose of these trips? To get to know his players better, of course. During his visit with Zibanejad, Sullivan discovered the forward’s strong bond with center J.T. Miller, who happens to be the team’s new captain. Both players expressed a desire to share the ice together, and Sullivan took note.
As the Rangers gear up for training camp, Sullivan is considering starting Zibanejad on Miller’s right wing, a departure from his usual center position. According to Sullivan, it just makes sense to give this dynamic duo a shot and see how it benefits the team as a whole. The move marks Sullivan’s first major decision as the team’s new head coach, following a disappointing season that saw the Rangers miss the playoffs. The pressure is on for Sullivan to turn things around and unleash the potential of his players.
Relationship Building: The Key to Success
Sullivan’s coaching philosophy centers around building strong relationships with his players, a strategy he implemented over the summer. By getting to know his team on a personal level, Sullivan believes he can set the stage for a successful season. His impressive track record, including Stanley Cup wins with the Pittsburgh Penguins, lends credibility to his approach. While some may question the decision to move Zibanejad to the wing, Sullivan is confident that it will create opportunities for other players to shine in the center position. As the Rangers prepare to face off against familiar foes like the Penguins, Sullivan is focused on creating a winning formula that leverages the strengths of his entire roster.
Balancing Act: The Challenge Ahead
With Zibanejad’s shift to the wing, the Rangers face a challenge of creating a balanced lineup that maximizes the talents of their top centers. Sullivan acknowledges the risk involved in moving a key player out of his natural position but remains optimistic about the potential benefits. As the team looks ahead to the start of the season, the focus is on surrounding players like Zibanejad, Miller, and Trocheck with a supporting cast that can elevate their game. The success of the team hinges on finding the right mix of players to complement their star centermen. As Sullivan navigates the complexities of roster management, the ultimate goal remains clear: to position the Rangers for a successful season.
