The Rangers Power-Play Needs More Consistency

The New York Rangers of last season were known for two things last season. Getting bailed out by Igor Shesterkin on a nightly basis and their deadly power-play. The Rangers finished last season with the fifth best power-play in the league and it was a threat to score every time they were on the ice. While they are tenth in the league as of this writing on the power-play this season, they need to be more consistent while on the man advantage.

The power play was the key to victory for the team many times last season. While the power play has looked good at times this season, the consistency has not been there. For example, the Rangers had a four-minute power play against Nashville late in the third period when they were down by a goal. If they scored, the game changes. They did not score and the power-play looked lifeless for four minutes.

The top unit gets the majority of the power-play time. The top unit has only one change from last season. Vincent Trocheck replacing Ryan Strome. Trocheck has fit in well and that top unit has produced well in certain games. Mika Zibanejad has six power-play goals and has been dangerous. However, they are not getting the puck to the one guy who is a master at deflections, Chris Kreider.

Last season, Kreider scored twenty-six power-play goals, which set a franchise record. This season, it has not been the same as he is not getting the puck as much and not getting his usual deflections. The team is looking more for Zibanejad and the other teams know this and cover him for most of the power-play. The Rangers should see this and try to find Kreider, who is more than likely going to be open in front since the opposing team is more focused on Zibanejad and Panarin.

If the Rangers can get a more consistent power play, they will become a more dangerous team and it will help them get more wins together as the Metropolitan Division gets more competitive and these points are crucial at this time of the year.