The New York Rangers finally scored a goal on home ice at Madison Square Garden, but after a fourth consecutive defeat at the World's Most Famous Arena, there's no time for moral victories. The vibe around the team was clear after Monday's 3-1 loss to the Minnesota Wild, and simply stated the Rangers were "not good enough."
Mika Zibanejad's frustration clear as Rangers inability to finish chances continues
Zibanejad is the longest tenured Ranger and has seen the ups and downs of the organization. Postgame he was asked about whether it was "dangerous" for the team to fall back on the concept of getting chances while not capitalizing on them. His answer was clear, and you could see the frustration in his face and body language.
Mika Zibanejad on if it's "dangerous" to keep saying the Rangers are getting looks after Filip Gustavsson's save in the third period tonight
— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) October 21, 2025
"I have to score, yes I understand that. But I'm getting to the chance. How many looks have we had? I honestly don't know what else to do" pic.twitter.com/YFY0LSgLFx
He was also asked about the team's puck luck, and he didn't quite know how to answer the question that has been repeatedly asked to him. Zibanejad responded, "We just have to keep going. I don't know. Do you have a better idea than what we're doing right now? Honestly. It's frustrating. I know you guys have to ask the questions. We have to bear down. I have to score on that one"
Adam Fox understands the sentiment surrounding the team
Fox is one of the few Rangers that has had a really good start to the season when you look at the NHL dot com numbers and the underlying analytics. He's been a big contributor for the team, and is doing all that he can right now to help the team win, but he understands that the Rangers are letting the fans down right now.
Following the game, Fox lamented, "It's disappointing because we're winless at home. You want to take advantage of that. You've got a crowd behind you, you score, you want to build some momentum off that and we didn't do a good job of that"
J.T. Miller offers blunt assessment of team's effort against Minnesota
J.T. Miller was named captain because of the effort he brings night in and out, and also because of his blunt personality that is direct and to the point. Look no further than the "NO BS" slogan from training camp. During the postgame he got directly to the point regarding the team's effort on Monday.
"We have to find a way to bear down in those tight 2-1 games when, let's be honest, we didn't deserve to win. But that was a game we could've stolen. It's happened to us so far. Not good enough, we know that. Turn the page and move on to the next one"
— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) October 21, 2025
- J.T. Miller pic.twitter.com/GmfnptfcBC
Miller also added, "Other than the first two shifts, I thought they outplayed us the whole period. They deserved to win tonight. They played a more complete game than we did"
Mike Sullivan not happy with results, and recognizes this game stands out vs. prior efforts
Sullivan has been pretty consistent to this point about the Rangers and their process, and how in due time they'd start reaping the rewards of their play. Tonight he was speaking a different tune, and he recognized that the Rangers deserved what they got tonight.
Mike Sullivan says he doesn't believe there's a disconnect on the Rangers offense:
— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) October 21, 2025
"I didn't think we got as many looks tonight, but we didn't play as well. That's different. The narrative is very different tonight than it's been in the last couple of weeks" pic.twitter.com/be56m21xUb
What's next for the Blueshirts
The Rangers are off on Tuesday and Wednesday, and return to action at Madison Square Garden on Thursday vs. the San Jose Sharks. The short break will give the team a chance to rest, work on what's not working in practice, and come back refocused and refreshed for what could and should be a "get right" game vs. the San Jose Sharks before hitting the road.