With almost a quarter of the season in for the New York Rangers holding a mediocre 7-6-3 record, they are in the a similar scenario they were a season ago. The Rangers normally are a team year after year haves disappointing starts. Usually when the Rangers are having struggles it is usually is their inability to find the back of the net, but not this season as the Rangers are averaging 2.88 goals per game and are 8th in the NHL in that category. For goals against per game the Rangers are 23rd in the NHL allowing 2.94 goals per game, which is much unlike the Rangers even in slow starts.
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Goaltending: The Rangers defensive struggles certainly have nothing to do with goaltender Henrik Lundqvist as he already looks like he is mid-season form. Henrik Lundqvist has given the Rangers a chance in just about every game this year, despite the Rangers poor defensive effort in-front of Lundqvist. Cam Talbot however, has struggled to keep the Rangers in games. Only maintaining a 3.48 goals against average and a .880 save percentage in just 4 starts. Talbot is win less in all 4 meetings, last season when needed Talbot stood out. In 21 games played Talbot recorded 3 shutouts, a .941 save percentage, a 1.64 goal against average and held a 12-6-1 record. It is unfair to put all the blame on Talbot this season, as the Rangers are allowing way too many quality chances and he has only played 4 games.
Eyes On Isles
Injuries: Within first month of the season the Rangers have dealt with many injuries too their defensive core. With Dan Boyle missing 15 games with a broken hand, John Moore who was suspended for 5 games for a reckless high hit, and Ryan McDonagh who is still out with a separated shoulder still appears to be about 2 weeks from returning. The good news the Rangers are nearly back to full health, only Ryan McDonagh, their best all around defensemen and team captain remains out. Even without their captain they still should be able to manage and find ways to win games, because every team deals with injuries throughout the coarse of the year. Marc Staal and Dan Girardi have been depended on to play heavy minutes since Ryan McDonagh was injured.
Offensive Play: Watching Rangers top forwards perform and put up points at an elite level has been entertaining to watch. Especially Rick Nash, he has been unbelievable with being tied for first in the NHL with 12 goals along with Tyler Seguin of the Dallas Stars. Derick Brassard has also been exceptional, nearing a point a game player (6 goals, 7 assists) in 13 games played. Rick Nash could be a serious contender for the Maurice Richard trophy awarded for the leagues best goal scorer if he stays healthy and keeps playing like that.
AV says usually takes 20 games for teams to sort it all out. Rangers about to play Game No. 17. "I think we're on the right track."
— Andrew Gross (@AGrossNewsday) November 14, 2014
According to head coach Alain Vigneault who deserves a substantial amount of credit for the New York Rangers cup run that ended just short in June, believes his team is on “The right track”. Take a look at the game against the Penguins on Tuesday. The Rangers put on their best all-around performance of the season with dominating the entire game start to finish with a 5-0 win. When the Rangers are able to execute Vigneault’s system, their arent many teams that can keep up. Getting back to full health will definitely help, but they need to find a balance between defending and scoring goals.