What seemed painfully obvious to everyone watching the Rangers’ confusion and ineffectiveness trying to operate a four-righty power play for the four games since Mika Zibanejad’s return struck the coaching staff, as well.
And so, Thursday night in Columbus, Ohio, the Blueshirts will replace righty Ryan Strome with lefty Kaapo Kakko on the first unit while also restoring Artemi Panarin to his spot in the off-wing left circle while Zibanejad works as the bumper in the middle.
Kakko had gotten significant time on the first unit during Zibanejad’s 13-game absence and had created chemistry with Panarin while setting up on his off-side, right circle.