The New York Rangers are off to a fantastic start this season, boasting a 5-0-1 record and standing as one of the four NHL teams without a regulation loss. The team appears to be firing on all cylinders, receiving strong performances across the board from forwards, defensemen, and goaltenders.
After winning the Presidents’ Trophy last season as the top regular-season team, repeating that achievement will be challenging. However, with their impressive form early on, the Rangers are showing they have the potential to do it again. Here are three reasons why this year’s Rangers could surpass last season’s success.
Much-Improved Forward Depth
A major factor in the Rangers’ loss in the Eastern Conference Finals last season was the lack of secondary scoring. When top players like Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider, and Mika Zibanejad struggled, combining for just two goals in six games against the Florida Panthers, the bottom-six forwards failed to step up. Although the team lost players such as Barclay Goodrow, Alex Wennberg, and Jack Roslovic during the offseason, none of them were key contributors, and the Rangers have returned this season with improved forward depth, which has been crucial to their strong start.
While the top-six forwards have been impressive, the bottom-six — especially the third line — has made significant contributions and even led the team to victories in some games. The impact of a healthy Filip Chytil on the offensive depth cannot be overstated, as his line with Will Cuylle and Kaapo Kakko has arguably been the Rangers’ best, and one of the top lines in the league. The fourth line has also chipped in offensively, and with Matt Rempe available as a healthy scratch, the team has a reliable option to step in whenever needed.
The Rangers Have 8 NHL Defensemen Who Can Play
The Rangers’ impressive depth extends beyond their forwards, as they also boast one of the deepest defensive units they’ve had in years. This season, they have already utilized eight different defensemen and plan to maintain an eight-man rotation moving forward. Leading the charge is Adam Fox, who has tallied seven points in six games, continuing to perform at an elite level. Paired with K’Andre Miller on the top line, Fox has been instrumental in setting the tone defensively. The second pair features Braden Schneider, who shifted to the left side due to a preseason injury to Ryan Lindgren, and Jacob Trouba. With Lindgren recently returning, the defensive pairs have remained effective, and changes are unlikely unless necessary.
The third defensive pairing has seen four players rotate through so far. Zac Jones and rookie Victor Mancini began the season in those roles, with Mancini impressing enough to play in every game so far. Chad Ruhwedel temporarily replaced Jones for a game, but Lindgren’s return saw him take Ruhwedel’s place alongside Mancini. With a variety of reliable options available, the Rangers benefit from having internal solutions for depth without the need for a trade, allowing them to preserve assets for other potential needs. This defensive depth gives the team a significant advantage and represents the deepest blue line the Rangers have had in years.
Improved Scoring at Even Strength
One of the major criticisms of the Rangers last season was their reliance on power-play scoring, struggling to generate enough offense at even strength. However, they’ve addressed that concern to start this season, with most of their scoring coming at five-on-five. So far, they’ve netted 31 goals, with seven coming from special teams (six power-play goals and one shorthanded), leaving 24 goals scored at even strength—tied for the league lead with the Buffalo Sabres.
Artemi Panarin and Chris Kreider are tied for the team lead in even-strength goals, with three each. The bottom-six forwards have also stepped up, combining for six even-strength goals, including three from the standout third line. If the Rangers can maintain this balanced scoring throughout the season and into the playoffs, they’ll be even more formidable than last year.
The Rangers had the best regular season in franchise history last year, and while there were doubts about whether they could replicate that success, they appear to be on track. They arguably look like a better team now due to the improved depth and even-strength scoring. If they continue this level of play through the season and into the playoffs, there’s no reason why they shouldn’t be serious contenders for the Stanley Cup.
Leave a Reply