In Game Six, Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad combine for a memorable moment on the bench, then power a NYR comeback from 2-0 down to force Game Seven.
Unlike what some of us are led to believe, more technology isn’t always the solution. Instead of replaying the clip and dwelling on his miss, Zibanejad is better off moving on and focusing on converting his next opportunity. It’s probably what Kreider tells him at that moment.
Beyond that spontaneous interaction, another Kreider-Zibanejad connection from G6 catches my attention.
NYR’s Power Play Tweak
Playing a man short implies making difficult coverage decisions. Against NYR’s skilled first unit, PKers are keenly aware of the point (NYR23 Fox), the right flank (NYR10 Artemi Panarin), the bumper (NYR18 Copp/NYR16 Strome) and the cross-ice one-timer threat (NYR93 Zibanejad).
Their movement sometimes leaves the goalie alone against Kreider. It’s simply impossible to cover everyone at the same time.
As such, during the regular season Kreider scores an NHL-leading 26 power-play goals by working unmolested against goaltenders who need to both stop the puck and anticipate his net-front movement.
Before the first round, PIT revises its in-zone PK. Instead of leaving Kreider to the goalie, a D-man now looks to tie up the Rangers forward anytime the puck is below the tops of the circles.
The adjustment proves effective in the first five games. Kreider is goal-less and only has one shot on net with the man advantage.
In Game Six, NYR finds a solution.
Tighter coverage net-front toward Kreider creates space for a shooter in the high slot. Off an OZ faceoff win, Panarin moves to the left flank and Strome sprints to the right half-wall. This allows Zibanejad to land in the soft spot between PIT’s penalty killers.
The former 40-goal scorer hammers a one-timer through a screen created by Kreider’s check.
The comeback’s on for NYR.