Through six games of play the New York Rangers are 2-3-1 with five points to open the 2025-26 National Hockey League season, and on the surface that seems disappointing. I'd agree with that assessment, but not for the reasons you might think. A lot was made about the hiring of Mike Sullivan, and the expectations him rejoining the team would bring. Despite their record, there's a lot to like about the team, and there's things to be learned by taking a deeper look at the numbers.. With that said, here are six surprising stats which more or less define the Blueshirts' start to the season.
11.8% - the Rangers' power play efficiency
Through six games the Rangers have had 17 power play opportunities, a number which is 10th most in the league to date. The Blueshirts have only scored twice which puts their efficiency rate at 11.8%. New York is spending 5:16 per game with a man advantage, but they simply have been unable to execute, and that is just one of the reasons they are off to the start they are. David Quinn returned to the organization this offseason, and he is the architect of the unit which had been one of the best in the league. The Rangers struggled on the power play last year, so maybe Quinn needs a little more time. It is going to take time to adjust to life without Chris Kreider, but even still... there's way too much talent for the power play unit to look as unispired as it has.
8.04 - Igor Shesterkin's goals saved above average
Shesterkin has been a superstar to open the season for the Blueshirts, and looks like a player who wanted to turn the page on last season in a big way. He is currently Evolving-Hockey's leader in goals save above average, and his mark of 8.04 put him nearly three goals ahead of Scott Wedgewood who is sitting in second with a GSAA of 5.08. Shesterkin is also leading in goals saved above expected (7.09), and he is doing well by the traditional NHL dot com metrics as well. He is tied for second with a goals against average of 1.00, and second to only Charlie Lindgren with a .962 save percentage through five games. This type of goaltending usually results in nothing but wins, but you can't fault Shesterkin for that.
68.85% - Sam Carrick's team leading expected goals for percentage
Sam Carrick has technically been the Rangers' most dangerous forward to start the season, a credit to him as a hard worker, and an indictment of how ineffective the team's top six has been. Carrick has logged just under 70 minutes at 5v5, and in addition to his 68.85 xGF%, he's got a 66.77 GF%, and a 54.51 CF%. The line of Carrick, Adam Edstrom, and Matt Rempe has been a revelation to start the season, but that also speaks volumes that they are being heralded the way they are this early into the season. The Rangers are generating 3.72 expected goals per 60 minutes when Carrick is on the ice, and surrendering just 1.68 per 60 which is something that is quite remarkable.
14.13 - Rangers expected goals total
The Rangers are leading the league in expected goals for at 5v5 per MoneyPuck, and yet they have just seven goals to show for it thus far. New York has done a great job of controlling play, limiting chances against, and generating scoring opportunities, but they've lacked finish. Sullivan has been steadfast on emphasis about the Rangers' process, and logic suggests that eventually the tide will turn. It has only been six games, but it will be something to keep an eye on a month from now if the Rangers are still unable to finish the great chances they are generating.
0 - Artemi Panarin's goal total
Artemi Panarin is in a scoring drought and this is the longest he's gone goalless to start an NHL season. Panarin scored in his NHL debut, against the Rangers, during his rookie season. He also scored in the first game of his fourth, fifth, and ninth NHL season. It took him until game two of his sixth and 10th seasons, and until game four of his second, third, and sixth season as a pro. Right now he is in uncharted territory, and will look to snap this drought in game seven against the Montreal Canadiens. Panarin led the team points (89) and goals (37) last season, but it was a decline from the 49 goals and 120 points he tallied the year before. Panarin only has 13 shots on goal thus far, and it is possible he's still working himself into game shape after missing the preseason. In any case, the Rangers need Panarin to score, and the goose egg in the goal column explains why the team has the record it does.
22.51 mph - Noah Laba's top skating speed
There's been a lot to like about rookie Noah Laba to start the season, and he's been an underrated contributor to the team that has a bright future. He's notched two assists thus far, and has a slash line that include a 100 GF%, a 50.99 CF%, and a 58.89 xGF%. He's also record the second fastest top speed among team skaters at 22.51 mph, with only Edstrom ahead of him at 22.58. Laba's speed has made him an effective forechecker, penalty killer, and overall menace when he's on the ice. He's still chasing down his first career goal, but it should be coming soon if he keeps his level of play up.