The New York Rangers' promising start to the 2024-25 NHL season has unraveled dramatically as they enter a challenging phase that has seen them plummet in both division and conference standings. The team launched their campaign with an impressive 12-4-1 record by November 20, 2024, which had positioned them fifth in the NHL standings and within striking distance of leading the Metropolitan Division. However, a narrow 3-2 defeat to the Calgary Flames on November 21 marked the beginning of a downward spiral.
In the subsequent 22 games following their match against the Flames, the Rangers have struggled to find their form, posting a disappointing 6-16-0 streak. This poor stretch has been characterized by a minus-30 goal differential, underscoring the defensive vulnerabilities and scoring woes that have beset the team. Consequently, the Rangers have slipped to seventh place within their division and find themselves languishing at 14th in the Eastern Conference.
Management Shakes Up Roster
In response to the team's slide, management has initiated a series of roster changes aimed at sparking a turnaround. Among these moves was the notable decision to trade away their captain and a former No. 1 overall pick, signaling a significant shift in strategy. Further adding to the shake-up was the healthy scratch of veteran forward Chris Kreider on December 23, a move that surprised many followers of the team who have long regarded Kreider as a cornerstone of the Rangers' lineup.
Offensive Struggles
The Rangers' offensive struggles have been most pronounced on the power play, an area where they have traditionally found significant success. Last season, the team boasted a power play conversion rate of 26.4%, which was third best in the NHL. This season, however, the power play has faltered significantly, dropping to a conversion rate of just 17.1% and ranking them 26th in the league.
One player emblematic of these struggles is Will Cuylle, who has spent 32 minutes on the power play this season without registering a goal. Although Cuylle has been productive at even strength, tying for third on the team with 11 even-strength goals, the lack of scoring on the man advantage has been a critical issue for the Rangers.
Defensive Challenges
Defensive frailties have compounded the Rangers' predicament. Notably, star center Mika Zibanejad ranks a lowly 601st out of 610 players in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60) among those with at least 200 minutes of ice time. This statistic highlights the defensive inefficiencies that have plagued the Rangers during this turbulent phase. Similarly, Chris Kreider finds himself ranked 563rd in the same metric, with a 2.96 xGA/60 score, illustrating the challenges faced by some of the team's veteran players in maintaining defensive solidity.
As the Rangers seek to navigate their current predicament, the team will require a significant turnaround in both offensive output and defensive cohesiveness. With changes already underway, the hope will be for these adjustments to translate into improved performances on the ice as the season progresses. For now, the once-promising rise has become a cautionary tale of how quickly fortunes can shift in the highly competitive landscape of the NHL.