Whether the New York Rangers make the playoffs or not, they are playing like a team that competes. Their defensive structure and penalty kill keeps them in every game. The offense, while once stagnant has started to show life. In all, the Rangers may have ground to make up, but no team will be taking them lightly.
This is the fifth in a series of report cards for the New York Rangers. The team is being graded for every set of six games of the season, roughly ten percent of the games played. The team will be reviewed on a year-to-year basis as well, as a part of a progression for the current season. Comparing the results are important, but keeping the quality of play in perspective is of equal importance.
The previous report cards may be read here:
Report Card #1: Games 1-6 Report Card #2: Games 7-12 Reports Card #3: Games 12-18
Are the New York Rangers who they were expected to be?
There are few surprises at the halfway mark of the season. Adam Fox is an All-Star caliber defenseman. Artemi Panarin plays like a Hart Trophy Candidate. Pavel Buchnevich is not only a consistent offensive threat, but he is a dependable penalty killer. The New York Rangers are an actual threat to make the playoffs.
The Rangers are still waiting for Kaapo Kakko and Alexis Lafrenière to bring to the NHL what made them highly touted prospects. Their goaltending has been relatively steady but, much less dependable than last season. The defense and penalty kill are among the top in the league and driving the team to wins, but what was the fifth best offense last season has not been seen this year.
Over the last six games the team has played well, but is still hovering around the .500 mark.