Rangers Struggle Persistently in Home Games
New York Rangers fans are facing mounting frustration as the team struggles on home ice. After a promising road trip with three wins in four games, the Rangers returned to Madison Square Garden, where their performance plummeted once again. Captain J.T. Miller expressed his disappointment, remarking on the team’s lack of effort after 14 games.
Home Games: A Persistent Struggle
In a worrying trend, the Rangers’ power play has been the worst in the NHL this season. They have only converted 4 out of 36 opportunities, resulting in an 11.1% success rate. This dramatic drop is puzzling for a team known for a strong power play in recent years.
- Power Play Statistics:
- 4 goals on 36 chances
- Ranked last in NHL
The team has also faced difficulty in scoring overall. In the 14 games played, the Rangers have been shut out four times, all at their iconic home venue. If this trend continues, they could end up with 23 shutout matches in an entire season, adding to their home struggles.
Scoring Woes Against Competition
During a recent game against the Carolina Hurricanes, the Rangers showcased their offensive challenges. A painful 21-minute and 18-second drought occurred without a single shot on goal. In their six home games, the team has achieved only six goals, with five being scored in one match against the San Jose Sharks.
Historical Patterns of Underachievement
The Rangers have unfortunately tied the franchise record for the worst start at home. They are currently winless at home with a record of 0-5-1, joining the ranks of the 1943-44 and 1950-51 Rangers. The current season has seen only the Bluehshirts without a home victory, as even the lowest-ranked teams like the Calgary Flames and St. Louis Blues have found success on home ice.
Underperforming Stars
Several star players, including Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, J.T. Miller, and Alexis Lafreniere, have combined for only 10 goals and 27 points despite a collective salary of over $35 million. This underperformance has been particularly damaging to the team’s dynamics and power play.
- Combined cap hit of top players: $35,592,857
- Goals scored by top four: 10
- Comparative individual success: Five players scored as many goals as the group
Future Implications
As the team navigates through its issues, there is increasing talk about potential trades, particularly concerning Panarin. His current production rate raises questions about his future with the team. Furthermore, the Rangers continue to experience difficulties in developing their prospects, raising alarms about their long-term strategy.
The Path Forward
The Rangers’ early-season performance raises concerns about the team’s preparation and accountability. With glaringly poor displays on home ice, it is crucial for the coaching staff to make necessary adjustments and hold players accountable. Expectations are high for general manager Chris Drury to consider calling up promising prospects, such as Gabriel Perreault, from the AHL to reinvigorate the team’s roster.
As the season progresses, it is vital for the Rangers to break their home ice curse. A failure to do so could further complicate their quest for improvement and success in the NHL.
