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New York Rangers: Early similarities and differences

By Jake Mozarsky

Oct 23, 2021; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; New York Rangers center Barclay Goodrow (20) scores against Ottawa Senators goalie Matt Murray (30) in the third period at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2021; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; New York Rangers center Barclay Goodrow (20) scores against Ottawa Senators goalie Matt Murray (30) in the third period at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 25, 2021; New York, New York, USA; Calgary Flames center Blake Coleman (20) celebrates after scoring a goal against the New York Rangers during the third period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2021; New York, New York, USA; Calgary Flames center Blake Coleman (20) celebrates after scoring a goal against the New York Rangers during the third period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports /

Four early similarities between this year’s and last year’s teams

1. When they start slow, it takes a bit for them to wake up.

New York has started off slow in many games this year, including in Washington, Toronto, and Ottawa, and in all of these games they needed something to kick start them to provide a boost in the game. The Rangers were forced to flip a switch, but sometimes it ‘s too little too late, as seen in the Capitals game. If New York wants to stay in games it is in their best interest not to start slow

2. They still leave Igor Shesterkin out to dry

Shesterkin has started out the season well, with a record of 3-1-1, a Save Percentage of .933 and a Goals Against Average of 2.17. He has won games for the Rangers (Toronto) and kept them in some (Dallas), and then Monday night he had a stellar first period but the team left him hung out to dry. When opposition has so many chances (15 shots in the first period) against the Rangers’ goaltender, it is hard for him to stand on his head every game.

3. A slow (ish) start for some stars

I’m not going to say that Mika Zibanejad has started slow, but just like last year, he has had one goal in his first seven games. Zibanejad has had more assists, with 5, and he looks like he can bust out at any second, but he has started somewhat slow goal-scoring wise. Artemi Panarin has also started slow, with the glaring factor being too many giveaways. Panarin also started somewhat slow last year.

4. Adam Fox

Early in the season, Adam Fox has played like the reigning Norris Trophy winner. He still makes elite plays on both sides of the ice, has wowed fans over and over again in only seven games and the Rangers are lucky to have him.

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