The New York Rangers have lost 11 of their last 14 games and are currently holding a season record of 15-15-1. The recent skid has seen the departures of Jacob Trouba and Kaapo Kakko, and no one would be surprised at the Blueshirts if their practices had a dark cloud hanging over them. It seems that is not the case, however, as Thursday afternoon's practice featured various lighthearted moments.
Newly acquired Will Borgen from the Seattle Kraken was in attendance and is expected to make his Rangers debut tomorrow night in Dallas. Borgen was treated to an entertaining first practice with the Rangers, getting to take part in a shootout challenge, and experiencing a slightly more upbeat mood at the return of Artemi Panarin to the ice.
Rangers Head Coach Peter Laviolette seemed to try to inject some fun back into the game of hockey for the Blueshirts by making the shootout challenge a part of practice- and even taking part in it himself. One particular bright moment came when Laviolette skated in on goal and scored on Igor Shesterkin, prompting the Rangers players to erupt into celebration.
Peter Laviolette beats Shesterkin and the players go crazy pic.twitter.com/VbTae1HKK8
— Peter Baugh (@Peter_Baugh) December 19, 2024
During periods of struggle like the one the Rangers are currently enduring, it can be important and necessary for professional athletes to be reminded that, at it's core, their profession is a game. To some degree, the Blueshirts should be finding the fun in practice and games day in and day out. Laviolette attempting to take players' minds off of trade rumors, locker room turnover, and losing streaks, with a few laughs during practice, may be exactly what the Rangers need to relieve some of the pressures they've been feeling, and get back to winning ways.
It would be naive to suggest that a little bit of fun is all the Rangers need to return to President's trophy winning form, but it could be a huge step in the right direction if the Blueshirts managed to go into their game against the Stars with a newfound optimism, and get an important win on the road.