RALEIGH, N.C. — With Derek Stepan goal-less in 22 games, Kevin Hayes with one goal in 11 and Mika Zibanejad just two in 21 games, Vigneault made the most obvious statement before Thursday night’s game against the Hurricanes: “We need some plays from our centermen.”
“Stepan right now has got to come in and see every game as a new opportunity,” Vigneault said. “You can’t carry the burden of 20-something games when you come to the rink. He’s got to move his feet and make plays when the opportunity is there.”
Zibanejad, who has scored twice in his last six games, “is competing harder,” he said.