3 Stats that define the Rangers’ frustrating shutout loss to the Islanders

The New York Rangers returned from the holiday break with a familiar result against the New York Islanders, and it is something that probably has fans wishing the team was still sitting on the sidelines. There are a few notable statistics that get to the heart of the action, and let's dive right into it.

27 Saves for David Rittich

Saturday's 2-0 loss was the Rangers' eighth shutout loss of the 2025-26 season, and it was yet another concerning overall effort from a squad that needs to pickup points. "Big Save Dave" was a rock in net for the Islanders, and prior to the game it appeared the Rangers would be getting a break with Ilya Sorokin unavailable due to an injury.

The switch in goal ended up being a main story, as Rittich stopped all the shots that came his way, including a penalty shot attempt from Carson Soucy. The game was the 40th overall of the season for the Rangers, and they've now been shutout in 20 percent of their games this season. Special teams was once again a big story, as the Rangers went 0 for 3 on the power play, an area that continues to be a sore subject.

0 shots on goal again for Mika Zibanejad

Including Saturday's loss against the Islanders, Mika Zibanejad has now gone three consecutive games with recording a shot on goal, which is a bit mind blowing considering he's logged over 20 minutes in each game. Zibanejad has been in an increased role with J.T. Miller sidelined, and the Rangers need him to be an impact player. In 12 games this month he's scored three goals and added seven assists for 10 points, but the team needs more.

58 seconds for Islanders to score game-winning goal

The Islanders opened the scoring just 58 seconds into the game, and it ended up being the game-winning goal. Soucy misplayed the puck, there was a scramble, and when the puck got loose it was easy for the Islanders to score. It is quite frustrating that the Rangers allowed this to happen, and it is even more frustrating what the team did with the remaining 59 minutes of the game.