New York Rangers: Comparing starting slumps, 2013-14 vs today

Differing circumstances

The start to 2013-14 was uglier, at least on the score sheet, if not the ice. Through nine games, the Rangers lost by three or more goals four times and were shut out twice. This season, the Rangers only lost by three or more goals twice (the 8-5 shootout with Toronto and the 4-1 loss to the Sharks) and have yet to be shut out.

Perhaps the biggest difference between the two seasons has been the venues. Due to renovations to Madison Square Garden, the Rangers played their first nine games and ten out of twelve games in October, on the road. This season is the polar opposite. The Rangers have played seven out of nine games at home and will play ten out of thirteen games there in October.

In 2013-14, their slow start could be excused somewhat because they started the season on the road, in a different timezone and under a new head coach with a new system.

The eventual Cup Finalists of four years ago were well balanced, albeit without a game-breaker. The difference between that team and this team is that they had much better center depth. However this season, the team has a more offensively inclined blue line.

Given that the Rangers have climbed out of a similar hole in years past, there is hope for this season’s edition. However, they will need to right the ship, fast.