New York Rangers: Early similarities and differences
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.
The Rangers are different and we know that. Here’s four things noticed early in the season
1. They definitely are tougher
Chris Drury went into the off-season looking to make the team tougher and he definitely did that with the acquisitions of Barclay Goodrow, Ryan Reaves, Dryden Hunt and Sammy Blais. These players have all contributed to New York looking more physical on the ice, and early on they do not look as soft as they did last year.
2. Chris Kreider
Chris Kreider has started fast. Unlike in other seasons, the Rangers forward is off to a quick goal-scoring start, with four goals in seven games. Kreider has been a force on the power-play and has looked more threatening in even strength. Kreider can be inconsistent, but this fast start is encouraging for him.
3. Jacob Trouba and K’Andre Miller
This defensive pair has been much better to start the season, and they are quietly forming a lockdown pair for New York. Trouba and Miller were both mistake-prone last year, but if they can continue this good play they will be more and more effective for New York.
What do these similarities and differences mean for the Rangers?
Look, it’s still extremely early in the season. Some of these similarities and differences will stay and some will go. But, the bottom line is if New York can establish more differences from last year that elevate the team while keeping the good that got them playing meaningful late regular season games last year. If they can combine these, they can be playing more than meaningful late season games.
We’ll see what’s similar and different as the season goes on.
Related Story. Gallant is a breath of fresh air. light