With each passing day and game, it feels like things for the New York Rangers get a little worse. That continued on Thursday as the Blueshirts were defeated once again by the New York Islanders, and they made history in the process.
Rangers swept in season series
Not only were the Rangers swept in the four games they played against the Islanders, but they failed to hold a lead at any point in the series. The Islanders outscored the Rangers 14-3 across the four games played, and this "history" is something that seems appropriate considering New York is celebrating the existence of their franchise in what is their 100th season. On November 8 the Islanders shut out the Rangers 5-0, and also shut them out 2-0 on December 27. The Islanders defeated the Rangers 5-2 on Wednesday, and completed the sweep with a 2-1 win.
Zibanejad makes his own history for Blueshirts in the loss
Mika Zibanejad has been one of the few bright spots this season, and he scored again on Thursday. His goal was his 23rd of the season, and the 273rd goal of his Rangers career which puts him fifth on the all-time leaderboard. He passed Andy Bathgate, and now will look to chase down Adam Graves who sits in fourth with 280 goals.
Zibanejad has 28 assists to go along with his 23 goals, and is up to 51 points in 54 games. It's been quite a bounce back year for the team's alternate captain who finished with 20 goals, 42 assists, and 62 points in 82 games last season.
He's been on fire in January and is up to 11 goals and 10 assists for 21 points in 13 games played. This is the third time in his career he's tallied 20 or more points in a month and he accomplished the feat in February 2020 (11-9-20 in 15 games played) and March 2021 (7-14-21 in 15 games played). It is a shame that this production is seemingly all for naught, but his performance should change the narrative of the type of player he is, and can still be for the Blueshirts.
Rangers have just two games left before Olympic break
At this point it is fair to say that the fans could use a break from the Rangers, and that wish will be granted shortly. New York is back in action again on Saturday afternoon vs. the Pittsburgh Penguins, and they will then enjoy a few days off before facing the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday, February 5. After that, the team isn't in action again until February 26 vs. the Philadelphia Flyers.
All eyes at this point are on Chris Drury as he tries to add assets by moving players like Artemi Panarin and Vincent Trocheck, and it will be interesting to see if he can get some work done before he heads to Milan for the Winter Olympics.