Rangers' Rebuilt Top Line Sparks Post-Olympics Hot Streak

Mika Zibanejad, Alexis Lafrenière, and Gabe Perreault lead Rangers' resurgence after Olympic break.

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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The Rangers have found success with a rebuilt top line of center Mika Zibanejad and wingers Alexis Lafrenière and rookie Gabe Perreault since returning from the Olympic break. The trio has combined for 7 goals and 7 assists over the last two games, helping the Rangers win 4 of their last 7 after a disappointing first half of the season.

Why it matters

With leading scorer Artemi Panarin traded and captain J.T. Miller injured, the Rangers have been forced to try different top-six forward combinations. The strong play of Zibanejad's line has provided a much-needed boost as the Rangers look to finish the season strong and build momentum heading into the offseason.

The details

Head coach Mike Sullivan has found success with the line of Zibanejad centering Lafrenière and Perreault. The trio has been complementary in their styles of play, leading to a productive stretch. Lafrenière in particular has thrived, recording 5 goals and 8 points in his last 4 games, including a hat trick against the Flames. Perreault, the team's 2023 first-round pick, has also chipped in with 3 goals and 4 assists over his last 5 games.

  • The Rangers reconvened after the Olympic stoppage in early February.
  • The Zibanejad line has combined for 7 goals and 7 assists over the last 2 games.
  • The Rangers have won 4 of their last 7 games since the Olympic break.

The players

Mika Zibanejad

The Rangers' top center who has centered the team's hot top line since the Olympic break.

Alexis Lafrenière

A 20-year-old winger who has thrived playing on Zibanejad's line, recording 5 goals and 8 points in his last 4 games.

Gabe Perreault

The Rangers' 2023 first-round draft pick who has chipped in 3 goals and 4 assists over his last 5 games playing on the top line.

Mike Sullivan

The Rangers' head coach who has found success with the Zibanejad line since the Olympic break.

Artemi Panarin

The Rangers' leading scorer who was traded away before the Olympic break.

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What they’re saying

“I think Mika's line as it's been the last handful of games has been really good. Those guys, they all have really good offensive instincts. They're a little bit different in how they play, but I think that's been a little bit complementary.”

— Mike Sullivan, Rangers Head Coach (New York Post)

“I think the way [Lafrenière] has been and even Gabe, I don't think the mistakes get to them the same way maybe when you have that confidence. As their linemate, I don't mind [mistakes]. Make plays, make mistakes and we learn from it. But you have to keep playing.”

— Mika Zibanejad, Rangers Center (New York Post)

“They've been unbelievable. ... Every time they get [the puck], they can make a play, and for me, it's just trying to help them as much as I can and just trying to get open for them.”

— Alexis Lafrenière, Rangers Winger (New York Post)

What’s next

The Rangers will look to continue their strong play after the Olympic break as they push for a playoff spot in the final 18 games of the season.

The takeaway

The Rangers' rebuilt top line of Zibanejad, Lafrenière, and Perreault has provided a much-needed spark for the team after a disappointing first half of the season. Their strong play has given the Rangers reason for optimism as they aim to finish the season strong and build momentum heading into the offseason.