New York Rangers Face Mid-Season Challenges in 2024-25
Strong Start Follows with Struggles
The New York Rangers kicked off their 2024-25 NHL season with a flourish, boasting a promising 12-4-1 record by November 20, 2024. This blazing start had fans hopeful, positioning the team fifth in the NHL standings and just three points behind the leaders of the Metro Division. It seemed like the Rangers were poised for a competitive season.
However, the high hopes took a hit on November 21 when a narrow 3-2 defeat at the hands of the Calgary Flames marked the beginning of a challenging phase. Over the subsequent 22 games, the Rangers stumbled to a 6-16-0 record. This slump saw their goal differential plummet to a dismal minus-30, shaking their standing as they fell to seventh in their division and 14th in the Eastern Conference.
Management Makes Bold Moves
Faced with their mid-season struggles, Rangers management didn’t shy away from making significant roster changes. In a bold move, the team traded away their captain along with a former No. 1 overall pick, signaling a shift in strategy and priorities. Changes also extended to lineup decisions, as Chris Kreider, a crucial player, found himself a healthy scratch on December 23.
These moves came amid struggles on the power play, a crucial component of hockey success. Last season, the Rangers' power play conversion rate was an impressive 26.4%, ranking third in the NHL. This season, however, the rate tumbled to 17.1%, placing them 26th in the league. Even promising talents like Will Cuylle spent significant time without contributing goals, amassing 32 minutes on the power play without finding the back of the net. Yet, in 5-on-5 play, Cuylle remains a bright spot, tied for third on the team with 11 even-strength goals.
Defensive Woes Highlighted
The defensive end of the game has also been under scrutiny. Mika Zibanejad has been struggling defensively, ranking 601st out of 610 players in xGA/60, a pivotal metric for expected goals against per 60 minutes of ice time. Chris Kreider isn't far behind, ranking 563rd with an xGA/60 of 2.96. This defensive vulnerability has arguably contributed to the team’s larger struggles this season.
As the Rangers navigate these turbulent waters, their path forward will demand resilience and adaptability. Whether they can reclaim their early season form remains a pressing question. For fans and analysts alike, the upcoming games will provide a clearer picture of the team's trajectory as the season progresses.