The New York Rangers are now 24 games into the 2024-25 season, and it has been a solid start, to say the least. The Rangers hold a respectable 13-10-1 record (27 points), placing them 4th in the Metropolitan Division and currently in the 1st Eastern Conference Wild Card spot.
While the record may appear promising at first glance, the team is playing some of its worst hockey in nearly two years. Comparatively, during the 2022-23 season, they started with a similarly lackluster 11-10-5 record. This suggests that, despite their position in the standings, underlying issues may be hindering their performance this season.
The Rangers began the season with an impressive 8-2-1 record, scoring in bunches and dominating on both ends of the ice. Over those 11 games, they netted 44 goals while conceding just 24. This equates to an average of 4 goals per game scored and only 2.18 goals against. In addition to their offensive success, goaltenders Igor Shesterkin and Jonathan Quick delivered stellar performances, anchoring the team's success.
However, the last 13 games have told a completely different story. The Rangers have managed only 32 goals while conceding 43, reflecting a sharp decline in both offensive production and defensive solidity. Their defensive struggles have been particularly alarming, with the team allowing 422 shots over those 13 games—an average of over 32 shots per game. This surge in defensive lapses has also resulted in a high volume of high-danger scoring chances for their opponents.
The goaltending, once a strength, has also faltered. Igor Shesterkin, the team’s star netminder, has lost his last four games and six of his last eight. Over that stretch, Shesterkin has posted an underwhelming .896 save percentage (SV%) and a 3.56 goals-against average (GAA). The Rangers have now lost six of their last seven games, being outscored 15-29 during that stretch.
Offensively, the team has struggled to capitalize on opportunities, scoring just 32 goals in their past 13 games and converting only six times on the power play. This lack of production, coupled with their defensive inefficiencies, highlights the significant challenges the Rangers must address to regain their early-season form.
Several players on the Rangers roster are currently underperforming, contributing to the team’s recent struggles. Key among them are Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider, who have been integral to the team's success over the past seven seasons but are now delivering minimal production at 5-on-5 play.
Zibanejad, in 24 games, has managed just 3 goals and 4 assists at even strength. Kreider’s performance is even more concerning, with only 2 goals at 5-on-5, none of which have come this season. Both players are also struggling defensively. Zibanejad is a concerning -14 in plus/minus through 24 games, while Kreider is a -2 in 21 games.
Another underperforming forward is Vincent Trocheck, who had a strong campaign last year but has not lived up to expectations this season. Through 24 games, Trocheck has recorded 6 goals and 6 assists for 12 points and holds a -2 plus/minus rating. Beyond the stats, his play at 5-on-5 has been noticeably less effective, with the "eye test" revealing a lack of impact in critical moments.
These slumps among key players are having a ripple effect on the team’s overall performance, highlighting the need for a collective turnaround to address their offensive and defensive deficiencies.
A potentially larger issue for the Rangers this season has been the underwhelming performance of their defense, particularly K'Andre Miller, Jacob Trouba, and Ryan Lindgren.
K'Andre Miller, in 24 games, has contributed just 1 goal and 3 assists for 4 points while posting a -8 plus/minus rating. He has struggled significantly in defending against the rush and has been ineffective at both blue lines. Despite his notable speed and size, he has not leveraged these attributes effectively. Additionally, his play has been described as overly passive. With Miller set to become a restricted free agent (RFA) after this season, his inconsistent performance is concerning.
Jacob Trouba has appeared disengaged, potentially due to offseason trade rumors. His lack of focus is evident in his play; he’s slow, generates minimal offense, and has amassed only 6 assists for 6 points with a -3 rating. Trouba’s frequent penalties and lack of effective leadership on the ice are detrimental. As one of the NHL's highest-paid defensemen, his performance this season has not justified his salary, leaving fans and analysts questioning his value to the team.
Ryan Lindgren has also struggled this season. Persistent injuries appear to have taken a toll, leaving him slower and less effective in puck battles and races. His inability to maintain his usual defensive reliability has raised questions about the decision to re-sign him in the offseason. His diminished play is contributing to the Rangers' defensive woes, and some suggest it might be time for the team to move on from him. The Rangers' defense, once a cornerstone of the team, is now a significant liability. Improvements are needed to regain the stability that has been a hallmark of their success in recent seasons.
Given the current state of the Rangers, significant roster changes may be necessary to spark improvement. Firstly, Ryan Lindgren appears to be a logical candidate for a trade. His struggles with skating and limited offensive contributions have diminished his value on the ice. Moving Lindgren could free up cap space and create opportunities for younger or more dynamic players to step into the lineup. Similarly, Jacob Trouba's performance this season raises questions about his long-term fit with the team. Despite his high salary and status as captain, his lack of production and on-ice effectiveness make him a potential trade candidate. However, his contract could make finding a trade partner challenging.
The most difficult situation is with Mika Zibanejad, whose full no-move clause complicates any effort to trade him. Despite being one of the team's top players in recent years, his underperformance this season highlights the broader issues with the Rangers' top-tier talent. Unless Zibanejad consents to a trade, the team will need to explore alternative strategies to rejuvenate his play.
Ultimately, the accountability for these struggles may fall on General Manager Chris Drury. His inability to address these issues and improve the roster effectively has contributed to the team's stagnation. If Drury fails to act decisively soon, the Rangers could find themselves out of playoff contention by spring. For the Rangers to make a meaningful run this year, they need a revamped defensive core and improved production from their forwards. Without significant changes, the season could end in disappointment.