Niko Mikkola discovering his Rangers stride on the proper time
BUFFALO – Niko Mikkola can really feel the playoffs within the air.
Possibly that’s why the towering 6-foot-4 defenseman appeared to be skating tougher than another Ranger within the membership’s 2-1 loss to the Devils Thursday evening on the Prudential Middle.
Not solely was there not a cloud within the sky throughout the day, however because it stands, the Blueshirts are headed towards a first-round collection in opposition to the Devils.
That chance was not misplaced on Mikkola, who took it as a chance to set the tone for himself in opposition to a staff he expects to see two-and-a-half weeks from now.
He was all over the place on the ice together with his bodily imposing presence and lengthy attain that can provide opponents matches.
“I all the time wish to play within the playoffs, when the solar is coming extra,” Mikkola informed The Put up after Thursday’s sport, wherein he posted three pictures on objective, two blocks and three hits in 21:46 of ice time. “I all the time wish to play within the playoffs and the final video games of the common season. I simply should be prepared and attempt to enhance my sport on daily basis.”
Mikkola was a bonus piece from the Blues within the Rangers’ commerce for Vladimir Tarasenko on Feb. 9.
The prolonged absence of Ryan Lindgren, who was sidelined Friday evening for the 16th time within the Rangers’ final 17 video games with a shoulder harm, has solely made Mikkola’s acquisition that rather more necessary.
The 26-year-old Finn was introduced in to skate on the left facet of Braden Schneider on the Rangers’ third defensive pair.
As a substitute, he’s been thrust right into a top-four function alongside Adam Fox since Lindgren obtained damage, which has been the case for 15 out of his 25 video games he’s performed for the Rangers.
Contemplating he’s now going through prime matchups on a nightly foundation, Mikkola has greater than held his personal amid his elevated tasks.
Apart from taking too many penalties, he’s been strong and a pleasing shock within the rush sport.
Mikkola isn’t simply pushed round. In truth, he’s the one who’s often pushing others around.
Final season, Mikkola skated in all 12 of the Blues’ playoff video games by way of the primary two rounds in opposition to the Wild and the eventual Stanley Cup champions, the Avalanche.
He completed with one help and eight penalty minutes, but it surely was the longest postseason run of his profession after he noticed 4 video games in 2020-21.
That have needs to be invaluable for Mikkola because the Rangers goal to construct on final season’s convention closing end.
As the nice and cozy climate begins to engulf New York, Mikkola’s sport heats up, too, evidently.
The Rangers are going to wish as a lot of that as they’ll get.
“Final yr was fairly good, I performed quite a bit within the two collection in opposition to Minny and Colorado,” Mikkola mentioned. “These had been powerful collection. I really feel like that was good expertise for me for this season. I wish to play these heavy video games and the primary spherical goes to be laborious and quick. Simply should be prepared for that.”