New York Rangers stock market: Life after playoff elimination
After being officially eliminated from playoff contention on March 23rd, will the New York Rangers accept defeat and slow down? Or will they pick up the pace even more? We use their stats from this month to predict whose “stock” has risen and fallen, and how their seasons will end.
Record since March 17: 3-3-0 , six points;
3-2 L vs. DET
2-1 OTW @ TOR
5-2 L vs. PIT
6-3 L @ BOS
4-2 W vs. STL
3-0 W @ PHI
Record so far this season: 31-34-13; 75 points
Standings: 26th in the NHL, 12th in the Eastern Conference, Seventh in the Metropolitan Division
On March 23rd, 2019, despite their win against the Toronto Maple Leafs, the New York Rangers were mathematically eliminated from the 2019 NHL playoffs. While this can definitely sting from a fan’s point of view, it’s not like this was unexpected.
The fanbase knew going into this campaign that it would be a rebuilding year, a time for seeing what the organization has and what is needed to contend in a few years. While some players have had trouble staying afloat on this sinking team, others have risen above it and had individual success.
In the 3-2 loss versus the Detroit Red Wings, the Rangers’ goals were scored by Ryan Strome from Kevin Shattenkirk and Pavel Buchnevich and Brendan Smith from Brett Howden and Neal Pionk. In the 2-1 overtime win at the Toronto Maple Leafs, New York’s tallies were courtesy of Buchnevich from Brady Skjei and Shattenkirk and Strome from Cristoval “Boo” Nieves.
During the 5-2 loss versus the Pittsburgh Penguins, the New York Rangers who had goals were Brendan Lemieux from Buchnevich and Mika Zibanejad, as well as Vinni Lettieri from Tony DeAngelo and Filip Chytil. In the 6-3 loss at the Boston Bruins, New York’s goal scorers were Zibanejad from Strome and Buchnevich, Strome from Howden and Skjei, and Zibanejad from Vladislav Namestnikov and DeAngelo.
Bouncing back in a 4-2 win against the St. Louis Blues, the Rangers’ goals were brought to you by Strome, Buchnevich from Zibanejad, Jimmy Vesey from Howden and Lettieri, and Chris Kreider from Buchnevich and Pionk. Finally, in the shutout win at the Flyers, New York’s goalscorers were Buchnevich from Zibanejad and Kreider, Strome from Howden and Smith, and Skjei from Strome and Howden.