Remember when the New York Rangers had a strong start to the season, exceeding many fans' and experts' expectations. Yeah, it felt like a while ago, as the Rangers are now plummeting in the opposite direction. That was evident on Monday, when the Rangers lost 6-3 to the Los Angeles Kings. Don't let the final score fool you, the game wasn't particularly close, with the Rangers trailing 5-1 midway through the second period.
There is plenty that has gone wrong for the Rangers during the early portion of the season. There was goaltender Igor Shesterkin suffering a season-ending knee injury in the team's sixth game. Then, there is the lack of a quality fourth line center with Joe Veleno sidelined long-term due to a lower body injury.
These two injuries have forced the Rangers to try to seek out quick solutions in the organization. However, these methods have backfired quickly.
Igor Shesterkin's injury has sent the Rangers into goaltending nightmare
Trying to replace a superstar goalie is no easy task for any team. But teams are usually prepared by ensuring they have a quality backup option to fill in. The Rangers had that, but things got even more complicated.
Joonas Korpisalo, who the Rangers acquired in a trade with the Boston Bruins this offseason, was sidelined with a lower body injury just before the home opener, which was announced to have about a one month recovery timeline. It was later revealed that Korpisalo was dealing with a foot infection, and just recently, he began skating. So, he's still a couple of weeks away from potentially starting a game for New York.
The Rangers thus had to rely on Dylan Garand, who they initially planned on spending most, if not all, of the season with the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack. Luckily, he was able to pass through waivers, as there was a chance he could get claimed by another team. Garand stepped up and played well ever since Shesterkin was injured. However, he played in seven consecutive games, and his play took a hit, as expected. Any goalie needs some rest.
That rest was supposed to happen during Monday's game against the Kings. Instead, Garand was called upon to enter for the remainder of the game after James Reimer, who was called up after one start in the AHL, gave up three goals on nine shots faced. It goes to show that their goaltending situation isn't tenable.
The Rangers are virtually waiting for Korpisalo to return, to see if he is a viable starting option. If not, the Rangers will have to make a trade for another goalie. The thing is, the Rangers don't have many assets, due in part to them giving up three first-round picks for winger Pavel Dorofeyev and defenseman Marcus Pettersson this offseason. While it is admirabale that they are playing the waiting game, they are hurting themselves in the short-term.
Rangers fourth line center dilemma isn't much better
While goaltending has received a majority of the attention, the Rangers also have a fourth line center dilemma.
This offseason, the Rangers brought in Veleno on a one-year contract, who quickly one the fourth line center job. However, his stint as a starter didn't last long, as he played four games before suffering his injury that is expected to keep him off the ice for a couple of months.
The Rangers tried giving top prospect Cole Beaudoin an opportunity to center the fourth line. It seemed like a far cry of a move for the Rangers to rush a player they just acquired in an offseason trade a chance. However, head coach Mike Sullivan's patience ran thin. After four games with zero points recorded, Beaudoin was sent back down to Hartford.
Now, the Rangers placed Luke Glendening on the fourth line after signing him to a one-year deal after a professional tryout. Two games in, and Glendening has zero points, but a 66.7 face-off win percentage.
As mentioned earlier, the Rangers don't have the most draft capital, and bringing in a bottom six center should be a priority, especially if they are in the running for a playoff spot. For now, they are relying on band-aid options.
The fact that the Rangers are still in second place in the Metropolitan Division after their rough stretch of losses is a miracle. However, they have tested their fate by using patchwork options to fill positions of need. But, they need some resolutions soon, and it may have to come at the cost of draft capital if they want to keep winning games.
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