Challenging Times for the New York Rangers: A Season in Flux
The New York Rangers' 2024-25 NHL season has been a rollercoaster of emotions for both the team and its fans. As the season opened, the Rangers appeared poised for success with a promising record of 12-4-1 by November 20, 2024. This solid start positioned them comfortably in fifth place in the NHL standings, just three points shy of leading the fiercely competitive Metro Division.
However, as any seasoned follower of sports will tell you, the rhythm of a season can change rapidly. For the Rangers, that pivotal moment came on November 21 when they faced the Calgary Flames. A narrow 3-2 loss to the Flames marked the beginning of a disturbing downturn for the team. What followed was a streak that few could have predicted: a staggering 6-16-0 record over the next 22 games, leaving the Rangers with a goal differential of minus-30. This series of losses saw them plummet from their once-secure standing to seventh in their division and 14th in the Eastern Conference.
Such a dramatic plunge naturally demands introspection and action, and the Rangers' management did not shy away from making difficult decisions. In a bid to arrest their slide, the team executed significant roster changes, including trading their captain and a former No. 1 overall pick. These moves underscored the urgency the management felt to reorient the team back on course.
One surprising move amidst these changes was making Chris Kreider a healthy scratch on December 23. Known for his speed and skill, Kreider's absence on the ice was a notable deviation from what fans had come to expect. It highlighted the team's willingness to shake up its line-up in search of better results.
The specific struggles faced by the Rangers this season can be dissected further by examining their power play efficiency. Last season, the Rangers dazzled with a power play conversion rate of 26.4%, a figure that had them sitting pretty at third in the NHL rankings. In stark contrast, this season has seen their power play performance dip to a dismal 17.1%, pushing them down to 26th in the league standings. The decline in power play success has been palpable, hampering the team's ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
For Will Cuylle, the lack of success on the power play has been particularly challenging. Despite spending 32 minutes on the power play, Cuylle has yet to find the back of the net. However, it is not all grim news for Cuylle. He currently holds a respectable position on the team with 11 even-strength goals, which ties him for third place among his teammates, showcasing his effectiveness during regular play.
Defensive struggles have also contributed to the Rangers' woes. Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider, in particular, have disappointing defensive metrics this season. Zibanejad ranks 601st out of 610 in xGA/60 among players with at least 200 minutes of ice time, reflecting significant challenges in limiting expected goals against per 60 minutes. Kreider, too, fares poorly, ranking 563rd with 2.96 xGA/60, an indication of broader defensive vulnerabilities.
The season thus far has been a tumultuous one for the New York Rangers, but amidst the turbulence, there is an opportunity. The NHL season is lengthy, and while the past 22 games have been far from ideal, the path to redemption remains open. As the Rangers strive to find their footing once again, they will need to harness lessons from both their successes and setbacks to turn their season around. With continued adjustments and perhaps a bit of luck, the Rangers still have a chance to reclaim their spot among the league’s contenders.