The New York Rangers have entered the offseason with a new head coach and hopefully a new mindset heading into the 2025-26 season. After the abysmal showing in 2024-25, a few games stood out that really defined the season as it was.
Here are those three.
October 9, 2024 vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
Opening night, on the road, fresh off a magical season that ended in heartbreak during the Eastern Conference Final, to the eventual Stanley Cup-winning Florida Panthers. The vibes were flowing all summer, and Rangerstown could not wait to sit down and witness the greatness to behold in 2024-25.
Boy, were we wrong.
The Rangers got off to a great start this past season, and they did win this game with a statement 6-0 victory over Pittsburgh. This was a great win, but nothing more than a smokescreen for what would become of the rest of the season. This was the largest shutout margin of victory throughout the entire season, so oddly but funny enough, every other game went downhill from here.
November 21, 2024 vs. Calgary Flames
The beginning of the end. The Rangers were on a roll before going into Calgary right before Thanksgiving. After dropping this game 3-2, the Rangers would rattle off four more losses and basically lose all momentum for the rest of the season.
After this loss, the losing streaks were plentiful and long, and they would never again reach more than a two-game win streak. This loss and the preceding drama, including captain Jacob Trouba's trade to Anaheim and the Filip Chytil and Kaapo Kakko trades, would send this locker room into a tizzy.
April 12, 2025 vs. Carolina Hurricanes
Fin. The end of the Rangers' playoff hopes and dreams. The Carolina Hurricanes stepped on the Rangers' throats, putting this pitiful season out of its misery. On April 12, the Rangers were eliminated from playoff contention with a mind-numbing 7-3 loss.
This loss was much like the others. There was no motivation or sense of effort from players or the coaching staff. This is likely the game that sealed now ex-head coach Peter Laviolette's future with this organization.