The most noticeable change Laviolette made in that final period was creating a new first line of Mika Zibanejad at center ... t something he wants to do on a full-time basis.

At the beginning of the season, all hope seemed lost for Mika Zibanejad ... late with his vision and hockey IQ on full display. It’s almost as if Zibanejad can control a part of the ice.

COLUMBUS — Last Sunday, when the Rangers got blown out at home by Columbus, Mika Zibanejad and Vincent Trocheck ... Trocheck’s full line came through with a game-sealing goal in the third.

“It means seeing if Mika Zibanejad ... with a $6.5 million cap hit, while Zibanejad carries an $8.5 million AAV through 2029-30 along with a full no-movement clause. It would certainly be ...