The 2024-25 NHL season began with promise for the New York Rangers, who posted an impressive 12-4-1 record by November 20, 2024. This promising start placed them just three points behind the leaders in the Metro Division, solidifying their placement as fifth in the overall NHL standings. Unfortunately, the optimism that surrounded their early season performances soon took a turn for the worse.
Initial Setbacks
The descent began on November 21 with a narrow 3-2 loss to the Calgary Flames. This game appeared to mark a turning point for the team. Over the course of the next 22 games, the Rangers struggled significantly, recording a disappointing 6-16-0 streak. Their performance during this period was marred by a minus-30 goal differential. This drastic slump saw their standing plummet to seventh in the Metro Division and a disheartening 14th in the Eastern Conference.
Attempted Strategic Adjustments
In response to the downturn, Rangers' management made notable changes in an attempt to salvage the season. Among the significant strategic maneuvers was the controversial decision to trade their captain and a former No. 1 overall draft pick. These moves reflected a clear signal from the organization that they were willing to make drastic changes to regain their competitive edge.
Moreover, the management opted to sideline veteran forward Chris Kreider, who was a healthy scratch in the game on December 23. This decision highlighted the team's commitment to shaking up their lineup in order to reenergize their underperforming squad.
Power Play Woes
A stark contrast to the previous season, the Rangers’ power play conversion rate plummeted to 17.1%, falling over nine percentage points from their previous mark of 26.4%. Last season, this proficiency had secured them third place in NHL power play rankings. Now, ranked 26th, this drop in efficiency underscored one of the key issues in their struggling offensive strategies.
Part of this deficiency was highlighted by Will Cuylle's performance. Despite spending 32 minutes on the power play, Cuylle was unable to register a score. Nevertheless, Cuylle made a notable contribution with 11 even-strength goals, tying him for third place in that category on the team.
Defensive Frailties
The defensive lapses for the Rangers have also been telling. Mika Zibanejad found himself ranking 601st out of 610 in xGA/60 among players who had played at least 200 minutes. Meanwhile, Chris Kreider was not far behind, ranking 563rd with an xGA/60 of 2.96. These statistics reflect glaring defensive shortcomings that have contributed to the team's downward trajectory.
The Rangers are evidently amidst a challenging season. With management making bold moves both on and off the ice, the organization is clearly hoping to alter the course and reclaim the positive momentum with which they started. As they navigate this pivotal stretch, the pressure is mounting for both players and management alike to find solutions that can reverse their fortunes and restore their standing as a formidable force within the NHL.