The New York Rangers commenced their 2024-25 NHL season with an impressive performance, boasting a record of 12-4-1 by November 20, 2024. However, this stellar start has quickly dissipated with the team now grappling with a series of challenges both on and off the ice.
A Strong Start Undone
In the early stretches of the season, the Rangers managed to place themselves fifth in the overall NHL standings, just three points away from taking the lead in the highly competitive Metro Division. Such a promising position suggested that the Rangers were poised for a strong campaign. However, a close 3-2 loss to the Calgary Flames on November 21 marked the beginning of a downward spiral for the team.
Over the subsequent 22 games, the Rangers experienced a troubling slide, capturing only six wins against 16 losses. This 6-16-0 run significantly impacted their once-solid standing, relegating them to seventh in their division and 14th in the Eastern Conference. The team's goal differential during this turbulent period plummeted to minus-30, highlighting the defensive and offensive struggles that have plagued them.
Changes in Leadership
The team's management opted for strategic changes in response to the downturn, including two significant roster changes involving high-profile players. Among these was the decision to trade their captain along with a former No. 1 overall pick, moves that underscored the urgency to reverse the team's fortunes.
An additional sign of the tumult within the franchise was Chris Kreider, one of the Rangers' stalwarts, being made a healthy scratch on December 23. Such decisions reflect deeper strategic recalibrations within the organization, which are often necessary but difficult measures when underperformance becomes chronic.
Special Teams Struggles
Another critical area of concern has been the Rangers' power play effectiveness, a crucial element for any successful NHL team. Last season, the Rangers' power play was formidable, converting scoring opportunities at a remarkable rate of 26.4%, ranking them third in the league. This season, however, their conversion rate has plummeted to 17.1%, which places them a disappointing 26th in the NHL. The special teams' inefficiency significantly hampers their attempts to gain an edge over opponents.
Will Cuylle, despite spending 32 minutes on the power play, has failed to score, illustrating the struggle to capitalize on man-advantage situations. Nonetheless, Cuylle has shown some prowess in even-strength scenarios, being tied for third on the team with 11 even-strength goals.
Defensive Struggles Evident in Metrics
Defensive metrics further highlight individual and collective difficulties on the ice. Notably, Mika Zibanejad ranks 601st out of 610 players in xGA/60, an advanced metric that measures expected goals against per 60 minutes of play. This statistic paints a stark picture of the defensive lapses that have persisted this season.
Similarly, Chris Kreider's defensive metrics, while better than Zibanejad's, are still concerning with an xGA/60 of 2.96, placing him 563rd. Such numbers are indicative of a team struggling to maintain defensive solidity, which has unfortunately been a contributing factor to their recent record.
Overall, the New York Rangers are facing a pivotal moment in the 2024-25 season. Their once-promising campaign has been beset by difficulties that challenge both players and management alike. The organization's responses, both strategic and on the ice, will be critical in determining whether they can regain their footing and revive the momentum they displayed early in the season.