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Looking into the New York Rangers defense – and their underlying offense

By Jake Mozarsky

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 20: Braden Schneider #4 of the New York Rangers moves the puck under pressure from Brock McGinn #23 of the Pittsburgh Penguins in the third period during the game at PPG PAINTS Arena on December 20, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 20: Braden Schneider #4 of the New York Rangers moves the puck under pressure from Brock McGinn #23 of the Pittsburgh Penguins in the third period during the game at PPG PAINTS Arena on December 20, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /
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Lastly, let’s look at expected goals (xGoals) vs actual goals scored, which shows people a measure of whether the production is a measure of luck or has actual leverage. The stats here affirm a lot of what Rangers fans already know.

According to MoneyPuck, the Rangers have two “Snipers”:

Adam Fox: 0.26 xGoals per 60 minutes, 0.40 Goals-per 60 minutes.

K’Andre Miller: 0.23 xGoals per 60 minutes, 0.30 Goals-per 60 minutes.

This makes sense if anyone has watched the Rangers. Fox and Miller are by far the most opportunistic Rangers’ defensemen on this end of the ice; Fox is the best offensive weapon and Miller scores highlight-reel goals while capitalizing on chances.

The Rangers also have one finisher, which is someone with a low expected goal for per 60 minutes but a high actual goals for. This quadrant is more luck-based.

Braden Schneider: 0.15 xGoals per 60 minutes, 0.51 Goals-per 60 minutes.

Over the second half of the season so far, Schneider has picked up his offensive game, and his goals show for it. While this is partially luck according to MoneyPuck, they also attribute Schneider as a finisher, and he borders the line between being a luck/finisher and a sniper. This is a great place to be.

Finally, let’s look at the other three defensemen and where they rank:

Jacob Trouba: 0.26 xGoals per 60 minutes, 0.08 Goals-per 60 minutes.

Ryan Lindgren: 0.15 xGoals per 60 minutes, 0.0 Goals-per 60 minutes.

Ben Harpur: 0.10 xGoals per 60 minutes, 0.0 Goals-per 60 minutes.

Trouba is regarded as “Not a finisher, but also unlucky.” Lindgren and Harpur are characterized as “Bad,” but this is because neither has scored a goal yet this season. All players that have not scored fall into this category as long as they have a shot on goal.

The Blueshirts and fans should be pleased by the numbers of Fox, Miller, and Schneider here; the fact that three defensemen are snipers or finishers is a positive sign of defensive production, and it means that they should continue to produce.

Now, the rundown.

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