New York Rangers midseason report cards: Defense

Nick Holden

Nick Holden has been a thorn in the sides of Rangers fans all season so far. Despite extremely lackluster performance in the first half of the season, Holden remains in the top defensive pair with Ryan McDonagh.

Holden is coming off his best season statistically. This season is a different story. He averages over 18 minutes in ice time, but his Corsi is tied for lowest on the Rangers at 45.5.

If he continues at this pace, Holden will be nowhere near his point totals from last season. His plus/minus is also significantly lower.

Most importantly, Holden has failed to generally do his job defensively many times this season. Missed defensive assignments and costly giveaways do not spell top pairing defenseman. However, he remains in that spot night in and night out.

One silver lining is that Holden has been on the ice for more goals for than goals against. Those totals are not too far apart though, as he was on the ice for 35 goals for and 31 against.

Something has got to give when it comes to the Rangers defense. Maybe Holden’s role should be reexamined, as he is clearly not the same player as last season.

GRADE: C