The New York Rangers’ 2024-25 season began with much promise but has since spiraled into a concerning slump as they struggle to regain their footing. By November 20, 2024, the Rangers boasted a commendable record of 12-4-1, a performance strong enough to rank them fifth in the NHL standings and only three points shy of leading the competitive Metro Division.
However, the tide quickly turned against the Rangers following a 3-2 defeat at the hands of the Calgary Flames on November 21. This game marked the onset of a troubling phase for the team, characterized by a 6-16-0 record over their subsequent 22 games. This period of poor performance was punctuated by a negative goal differential of minus-30, a statistic that starkly highlights the defensive vulnerabilities and offensive challenges plaguing the team.
Turbulence in the Standings
As the Rangers continued to slide, they plummeted to seventh place within their division and a concerning 14th in the Eastern Conference standings. The rapid decline prompted management to make several strategic changes, including trading their captain and a former No. 1 overall pick in hopes of sparking a turnaround. Additionally, established players, like Chris Kreider, faced new realities as he was a healthy scratch on December 23.
Power Play Struggles
One of the glaring issues contributing to the Rangers’ woes is their power play efficiency—or rather, the lack thereof. Last season, the Rangers boasted a formidable power play conversion rate of 26.4%, ranking third in the NHL, and playing a crucial role in their overall competitiveness. This season, however, tells a different story. The team has seen its power play conversion nosedive to a concerning 17.1%, relegating them to 26th in the league rankings. This sharp decline has eroded one of their previous strengths, leaving a significant impact on their ability to capitalize on pivotal moments within games.
Particularly troubling is the performance of Will Cuylle, who despite spending 32 minutes on the power play, has failed to find the back of the net. Interestingly, Cuylle remains tied for third on the team with 11 even-strength goals, underscoring a perplexing gap in his performance effectiveness dependent on situational play.
Defensive Challenges
Defensively, the Rangers have faced significant struggles, as reflected in their players' Expected Goals Against per 60 Minutes (xGA/60) statistics. Key players such as Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider find themselves ranked at the lower end of the spectrum in this regard. Zibanejad is positioned 601st out of 610 players with a minimum of 200 minutes of ice time, a situation mirrored by Kreider, who ranks 563rd with an xGA/60 of 2.96. These figures reveal a fundamental issue within their defensive strategy, hampering the team’s ability to contain opponents and protect leads.
A Season at the Crossroads
Amidst this turbulent stretch, the Rangers find themselves at a crossroads, armed with the knowledge that time still remains in the season to orchestrate a recovery. However, the path forward requires addressing the multifaceted challenges confronting them, both on and off the ice. With changes already underway in the roster, the focus is on realigning player performances with the tactical demands of the game, shoring up their special teams, and correcting defensive lapses.
For fans and stakeholders, patience may be required as the team navigates this challenging period. Yet, with the talent still evident within the squad, there's cautious optimism that the Rangers can rediscover the form that saw them vying closely for divisional leadership just weeks prior. The coming weeks will undoubtedly be telling, determining whether this season can be salvaged and the team’s reputation restored as a formidable force in the NHL.