Rangers' Early Promise Dwindles as Season Progresses
As the 2024-25 NHL season commenced, the New York Rangers seemed poised for a promising campaign. By November 20, 2024, they posted an impressive 12-4-1 record. Such a start solidified their position, albeit temporarily, in fifth place in the NHL standings, and they were tantalizingly close—just three points away—from leading the Metro Division. However, the shine of their early success began to fade soon after a narrow 3-2 defeat to the Calgary Flames on November 21.
Turbulent Times
That loss marked the onset of a challenging phase for the Rangers. Over the next 22 games, what was once a team with playoff aspirations spiraled to a dismal 6-16-0 streak, accompanied by a glaring minus-30 goal differential. Such a downturn not only dropped them to seventh in their division but also saw them plummet to a surprising 14th position in the Eastern Conference standings.
In response to the alarming decline, the Rangers’ management took bold steps to arrest their slide. This included major roster changes, notably trading away their captain and a former No. 1 overall draft pick—decisions reflecting the urgency felt within the organization to regain control of the season’s narrative.
Internal Struggles
Even within the ranks, the winds of change were evident. Chris Kreider, a stalwart of the team, found himself as a healthy scratch on December 23. Such decisions indicated the heights of the internal struggles and underperformance issues haunting the Rangers.
Last season, the Rangers boasted a formidable power play conversion rate of 26.4%, earning them a commendable third place in the NHL rankings. However, this season marked a downturn in this critical area, as their conversion rate plummeted to 17.1%—a fall that positioned them 26th in the league. This dramatic drop has been a significant factor contributing to the struggles faced on the ice.
Individual Performances Under Scrutiny
The power play woes were further exemplified by the likes of Will Cuylle, who logged 32 minutes with the man advantage without finding the back of the net. Nonetheless, Cuylle remains tied for third on the team with an impressive 11 even-strength goals, highlighting a potential silver lining amidst the storm.
Defensive shortcomings have also been a concern for the Rangers, with players like Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider being part of the discussion. Zibanejad's ranking of 601st out of 610 in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60) among players with at least 200 minutes of ice time underscores significant defensive lapses. Similarly, Kreider trails with a ranking of 563rd and a 2.96 xGA/60, further illustrating the defensive issues that have plagued the team.
Looking Forward
The Rangers face an uphill battle as they aim to revive their season. With adversity comes the opportunity for introspection and growth. The management’s decisive actions, combined with players’ abilities to adapt and overcome, will be pivotal in shaping the remainder of the season. As the NHL season progresses, the question remains whether the Rangers can harness the talent evident in their roster and translate it into consistent, winning hockey.
The New York Rangers have undoubtedly experienced a rollercoaster ride thus far in the 2024-25 season. As they navigate through the trials presented, fans and analysts alike will keenly watch to see if this storied franchise can recalibrate and rise to the occasion once more.