The New York Rangers started their 2024-25 NHL season with promise, boasting a commendable record of 12-4-1 by November 20, 2024. This impressive start positioned the Rangers fifth in the NHL standings, placing them within striking distance of the top spot in the Metropolitan Division, a mere three points away. However, what began as a promising campaign soon veered off course.
An Unexpected Downturn
The optimism that surrounded the Rangers' early-season success took a hit on November 21, when they suffered a narrow 3-2 defeat against the Calgary Flames. This defeat marked the beginning of a difficult period for the team, one characterized by significant challenges on the ice. Over the subsequent 22 games, the Rangers stumbled, registering a concerning 6-16-0 record. During this downturn, their goal differential was a troubling minus-30, a statistic that mirrored their struggles on both ends of the rink.
Sliding in the Standings
As a result of their performance slump, the Rangers found themselves slipping down the standings. They fell to seventh in their division, a sharp decline from their earlier position, and stumbled to 14th in the Eastern Conference. This slide in form and fortune prompted the Rangers' management to make drastic changes in an attempt to rejuvenate the team’s fortunes.
Management's Response
Faced with a faltering squad, the Rangers' management implemented several significant roster changes. Among the most notable was the trading away of their captain, alongside a former No. 1 overall pick, signaling a clear strategy shift. In a surprising move, Chris Kreider, a key figure for the team, was made a healthy scratch on December 23, further emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Special Teams Woes
One of the most telling signs of the Rangers' struggles can be found in their power play performance. Last season, the team boasted a power play conversion rate of 26.4%, which ranked them third in the NHL—a potent offensive weapon. However, this season has seen that number plummet to 17.1%, placing them at 26th in the league. This drop-off highlights a critical area of concern for both players and coaching staff. Will Cuylle, for instance, spent 32 minutes on the power play without finding the back of the net, despite sharing the position as the third-leading goal scorer on the team with 11 even-strength goals.
Defensive Concerns
Defensively, the Rangers have faced challenges that have compounded their woes. Mika Zibanejad ranked 601st out of 610 in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60) among players who have logged at least 200 minutes of ice time—an indication of the defensive vulnerabilities that have plagued the team. Chris Kreider also struggled in this department, ranking 563rd with a 2.96 xGA/60.
The New York Rangers’ season, which began with potential, has transitioned into a period of introspection and recalibration. While the playoffs remain a possibility if the team can regain its form, the immediate focus is undoubtedly on addressing performance inconsistencies and restoring the effective systems that initially fueled their early success. For the fans and the franchise, the hope is that these recent struggles are a temporary detour rather than a defining narrative for the season.