With no games over the weekend, the New York Rangers got back to work. One of the key areas of focus is the power play. A team strength last season due in large part to the vaunted top unit, it became a weakness against the Florida Panthers in a disappointing six-game series loss in the Eastern Conference Final.

They relied heavily on the five-man unit of Adam Fox, Chris Kreider, Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck, and Mika Zibanejad. When they weren’t successful against the more aggressive Panthers’ penalty killing unit, it contributed to their downfall. In six games, they only scored one power-play goal. Instead, it was the Panthers who won the special teams battle by converting five times on the man-advantage. The Rangers had two shorthanded goals. But it wasn’t enough to make up for a power play that never was in sync.

One of the issues that again rared its ugly head was the lack of a second power play unit. While Rangers coach Peter Laviolette established a unit that featured Erik Gustafsson, Kaapo Kakko, Alexis Lafreniere, Jack Roslovic, and Alex Wennberg, they weren’t trusted enough. Part of the problem was that he stuck with the first unit due to its firepower. While understandable, they never adjusted to what the Panthers did. Despite a less than 100 percent Fox, who at times was replaced by Gustafsson, they got the bulk of the time. That left the second unit with little chance to make an impact.

Laviolette Considering Changes

With a little bit of a different roster, Laviolette is considering making changes to the power play. He decided to split up the top unit for a more balanced attack. That included splitting up Panarin and Zibanejad. Both are primary right-handed shooters who can light the lamp. In doing so, each unit had a different look.

On one unit, they had Zibanejad with Fox, Kreider, Filip Chytil, and Reilly Smith. If they decide to stick with it, it wouldn’t be so predictable. Chytil and Smith provide left-handed options. Previously, Kreider was the only lefty shooter. His job remains to camp out in front and tip shot passes past opposing goalies. He’s the best at it for a reason. Chytil would give the Blueshirts another shooter from the opposite side. Something to keep opponents honest. It would throw a different wrinkle.

The second unit (1B) would feature Panarin, Trocheck, Lafreniere, Kakko, and K’Andre Miller. If there’s a theme, it’s the idea to keep the top two lines together for the power play. There’s great chemistry between Lafreniere and Panarin. Along with Trocheck, they were the team’s most effective players at five-on-five. Keeping Lafreniere with his line mates would give him the opportunity to produce more up a man. He hasn’t gotten that chance before. Kakko remains a player the Blueshirts need to perform. He would also get some more time on the man-advantage. Miller isn’t a true quarterback. He doesn’t have the best shot. It remains to be seen if he’s the right fit.

Jones Should Get Power Play Time

If there’s one thing you can conclude from preseason, it’s that Zac Jones is capable of contributing on offense from the blue line. He tallied twice in a win over the Islanders last week. A very fast skater who shows confidence at jumping into the play, he looks like a player who should get power play time.

Unlike Miller, who at times looked shaky when used on the point last season, Jones makes quicker decisions in the offensive zone. He isn’t hesitant to fire the puck when he’s open. His game-breaking speed makes him an offensive threat. It makes better sense to have him man one of the power play units. That way Miller can focus on his defensive assignments at even strength. That also includes the penalty kill. An area he excels at due to his size, reach, and instincts. He already plays a lot of minutes. Adding power play time seems like overkill.

It’s also worth noting that Jones will likely play on the third pair. However, with Ryan Lindgren out to start the season, he could see increased duty. Considering that the Blueshirts should still have Fox, Miller, Jacob Trouba, and Braden Schneider, Jones’ minutes will be sheltered at five-on-five. It’s likely that Laviolette will prefer to keep Jones with Schneider. A player he’s familiar with. Especially with him entering his first full season.

If they manage Jones’ even strength minutes, that should give him enough time to be utilized on the power play. Even without Lindgren, Fox, Miller, Schneider, and Trouba will get most of the minutes while shorthanded. They’re more trusted defensively. Jones’ best asset is his speed and skill. That’s why he’s better suited for a role on the man-advantage.

Better Balance Could Pay Off

If the coaching staff decides to keep the power play units intact headed into next week’s season opener against the Pittsburgh Penguins, better balance could pay off. Opponents would no longer be able to key on one or two players. They’d have to prepare for two units that would pose threats. It would be a major difference from the past few seasons.

They even had Lafreniere on the left side and Panarin on the right side. That would take away the one-timer option. It remains to be seen if that’s how they’ll line up when the Rangers play. However, the different look should be considered a way to a way to keep opponents honest.

If they rolled with these two units, there aren’t many weaknesses. Each would have multiple scoring options. They both could be sent out without any hesitation. This would be a huge contrast to how reliant the Blueshirts were on the top unit. Opponents knew that if they could game plan and stop it, they were going to be successful. Having two units capable of contributing could make the Rangers more formidable. A scary proposition for opponents.

It’ll be interesting to see if Laviolette sticks with it long enough to find out what they’re capable of.

Vesey Leaves Practice with Injury

During Sunday’s practice, Jimmy Vesey went down. He limped off the ice back to the locker room. Without him, the fourth line featured Sam Carrick, Adam Edstrom, and Matt Rempe taking reps.

Laviolette indicated that it was a lower-body injury. He didn’t think it was that serious. Vesey was still being evaluated.

Vesey is expected to be penciled in the lineup on the checking line. If he misses any time, Edstrom is the most likely candidate to replace him. Jonny Brodzinski also remains a possibility.

Rangers and Devils Collide

On Monday night, the Hudson rivalry will be renewed. At least in exhibition. The Rangers will visit the New Jersey Devils in Newark. It’ll be the fourth of sixth preseason matches. The Devils will then visit Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night. Both games can be seen on MSG. Start time is 7 EST for each.