How Concerning is the Rangers Recent Slump?

[@kaz7690]

I don’t think any Rangers fan truly cares about where this team is in the standings, we’re just tired of hearing the same swan song over and over. This team has had 5v5 issues for their 4th straight year of contention and their core is getting older and disappearing in key moments. The only good thing that has came out of this season so far is their young guys are taking huge leaps. I would have no issues with this team being a WC spot if they showed levels of competence in their games played. But the problem lies in how they’re getting manhandled by teams that they will have to beat in a 7 game series.

[@gr3mlin404]

As a Rangers fan, I couldn’t agree more

[@alphaxion]

It's the pattern of play that hasn't changed in a few years now. The lightest forecheck and the team just stops functioning, can't make passes, get pasted to the boards, lose the puck and it's immediately moved right to their goal. So many dumps and no chases, no-one in front to pick up rebounds, frequently 1 player will race off with the puck into the o-zone only for there to be no other Rangers player there to cause interference or to receive a pass. Most games there's little to no forecheck by the Rangers and so little urgency to pick apart other teams and pepper their goal with high danger shots. Nah, why not no-look pass or just straight up give it directly to the opposing team instead? Far too many people in the Rangers subreddit will go on about "we're being goalied by an AHL player!" when the harsh truth is that the team is goalieing themselves by having so little and ineffectual offense when a team moderately gets in their grill.

[@kentvonmiddledorm677]

I care.

[@humanbeing2420]

Right - the standings don't matter.

[@gregorylouis617]

@@alphaxion The light fore-checking part 5v5 kills me (save for the Kakko-Chytil--Cuylle line) and as a collective they don't do it at all. Which doesn't surprise me statistically speaking that they're one of the best lines 5v5 in the league because they retain the puck and keep opponents stuck-in their own zone and don't stay caught in their end to give-up scoring chances. And all 3 a pretty responsible in-terms of defensive awareness at even strength. Lav tried to spread all three members throughout the lineup so they can spread good-habits amongst the struggling players...but it didn't really work and when Chytil IS back I wonder what happens to the entire line-up.

[@tjaymetal3116]

1-6 against playoff team is next level fraud

[@romaliop]

Rangers have relied way too heavily and for way too long on power play and goaltending. Zibanejad always sucks early in the season, so they should probably still make it into the playoffs, but it's hard to see how they could ever contend for the cup with a near non-existent 5on5 game.

[@SamG91]

Since the 5-0-1 start, they are 7-7-0, 1-6-0 against teams currently in the playoffs and are trending downward Things could snowball fast for my Rangers

[@Devilsfan118]

@@SamG91 keep going I'm almost there

[@MrLuridan]

@@Devilsfan118Oh God, no! 😂😂😂😂😂🎉🎉🎉

[@brettrossi034]

I'm guessing that a fire sale is imminent if they don't change? And Igor not signing that massive deal is either a good or a bad thing for either party. Mika is playing sluggish too from my perspective

[@Deadmanwolfpac93]

Oh boy, I can't wait for the Panthers slumping video next....

[@niceguywillis9711]

It's ok, hold out one day. They play the Leafs Wednesday. Might turn it around.

[@kaz7690]

They’ve won the Cup, at this point it doesn’t matter how bad they are. This Rangers team has been relying on goaltending since Hank’s first game as a Blueshirt. Every step forward they take, they take 2 steps backwards.

[@maxrates]

1 Cup win, 1 finals appearance. I think Cats are going to be fine

[@Deadmanwolfpac93]

@@maxrates I read the comment with Saul's voice in my head not gonna lie. 😂

[@Your_Role_Model]

Cats are gassed. They played more hockey in the last 2 seasons than anyone.

[@paulsmf9577]

the problem is being consistently out shot, too much running around in the D zone, and lack of a desire to play physical even when they win. Will beats skill when skill only relies on skill. They have the skill but show lack of urgency. Slumping vets don't get sat out when they phone it in. Wake up calls are needed.

[@jasonthieme8926]

Mika is the biggest issue and unmovable. For 6 more yrs They are free falling. The wins are a mirage. Great goaltending and timely goals is the only reason we aren't 7-12-1.

[@michaelhofer954]

Trouba is the problem move him

[@richpaull7820]

Their *biggest* problem is on the blue line. Lindgren, Trouba, and Miller have all mightily regressed, are slow, and can’t move the puck at all. Trocheck and Kreider would come back around if they could re-establish any sort of a forecheck, Mika is clearly in his own head and causing his own issues. Unless they magically start moving the puck faster and handle pressure, they will continue to struggle against better teams. With that said the path to them playing better is pretty obvious, and I would not at all be surprised to see them turn it around like last year

[@barrygelb1218]

Their best puck moving defenseman seems to be Jones- he gets the puck up the ice one way or another sometimes better than Fox. Jones and Schneider are the best d pair right now with how bad the rest of them are playing

[@richpaull7820]

@ I wouldn’t say the best D pair, but they’re the best at what they need right now, and yes mostly because of Jones.

[@humanbeing2420]

Mika seems off physically more than mentally.

[@richpaull7820]

@@humanbeing2420 It’s possible, but the way he’s making decisions with the puck makes it look like he’s constantly second guessing himself. Him and Chris are still good on the PK, they’re just extremely slow with the puck on their stick, as if they’re trying to make the perfect play every time

[@Peksisarvinen]

I've been saying for a couple of years that Rangers are headed towards a disaster when all of their value contracts are up simultaneously, while their most expensive contracts aren't. It's good that other people are finally realizing that this is happening. I have not seen anyone talk about the fact that Rangers are screwed after this season, despite the fact that it's been so obvious to anyone who's paid any attention to their contract situation over the past couple of years.

[@TheZenomeProject]

To be fair, Bill Zito was facing a similar contractual threat in the beginning of his Panthers GM tenure, and instead masterfully pivoted the roster to best-in-the-league status, so an effective re-tool can be done if you have the pro-scouting for it.

[@ianhall6614]

I guess the problem is that this was the rangers retool. Floridas led them to a cup, while the rangers are potentially thinking of another retool

[@johnfeeley7094]

Good on management to recognize that a change is needed. The core is aging & Igor isnt playing like previous seasons. It's still early, don't go crazy😱

[@lomakinalex]

It’s not on Igor, the teams defense is putrid and we’re not getting it done offensively.

[@colwelsh23]

This was recognized well before management decided to act sadly

[@noeybalbonzers9755]

I would say Igor is still playing as good as he ever has. There's only so much a goalie can do when sometimes there is literally no D to be found multiple times in a game.

[@alphaxion]

@@noeybalbonzers9755 Oh, they're to be found... watching the puck as it glides passed them and onto the stick of the opposition. That's when they're not engaging the turnover manufactury!

[@noeybalbonzers9755]

@@alphaxion 🤣🤣🤣 true

[@SebastianSSada]

As a rangers fan im not in full panic yet about this season, as a lot of our top players are underperforming right now so I see it as just a slump. What worries me the most is Zibanjeads play over the last few years and especially this year as we have him until 2030 with a full NMC, he really needs to change something. Its hard for me to see Trouba or Krieder getting traded like the rumours are suggesting but crazier things have happened. Maybe moving Krieder would kick Zibanejad in the ass and make him play better but Id fear it would have the opposite effect.

[@Javier-ev9jt]

As a Panthers fan...our recent struggles are definitely concerning, it's a tired group that lost some key defensive players.

[@djentleman7]

I thought not keeping Montour was kinda crazy

[@TimsAFK]

Cup hangover is real, people forget that.

[@MarkelScott100]

​@@TimsAFKdamn right it is my knights went through the same shit after a 10 0 1 start downhill from there with the injuries from skaters and goalie

[@anthonywatson6070]

Not a Rangers fan (Lightning fan), but I couldn't help repeating "oof" after every cap hit mentioned. These cap hits are awful! What the H was Drury thinking signing these guys lol

[@Nuclear_Onion]

Trouba, Panarin, Krieds are all Gorton signings.

[@anthonywatson6070]

@Nuclear_Onion oh, so it's not even the incumbent GM then. Dang, well I take back the Drury comments, then. Sucks for him to half to clean this mess up

[@rangersfan902]

Trouba has been the gift that just keeps on giving. Worst contract on the team, also somehow our captain. Handcuffed the team through the flat cap. He was bad in all our playoff runs. Took the penalty that lead to tampa comeback in game 3, ghost against NJ, awful last year w that injury. Blocks trades and handcuffs the team again bc of his wife. I don’t hate trouba the person but the way everything has gone i wonder what could’ve been if he was never a ranger. Fox took over his role year 2 of his contract. Just an absolute disaster. Something happened to mika, the guy is unrecognizable on the ice. Mika is -8 in last 3 games, doesn’t score 5on5, consistently wiffs in his spot on the pp. Where are the breakaway chances he used to always get?? Kreider having no assists through a quarter of the season is adding to mika issues. 3 PPG, 2 shorties, 4 5on5 G’s. That’s not enough production. Other players are going through it too but those are the most glaring issues i see. This is not an acceptable product right now. Idk what they do at this point, there should’ve been moves made in the offseason.

[@de-fault_de-fault]

Definitely makes sense to consider making some moves, because things are looking stale. But man, moving Kreider would really be a bummer. I will be absolutely gutted. A number of guys' play has fallen off a cliff and he's one of them, no question. I just don't know. I know we're going to overpay for Igor at the end of this season and be in cap hell for the rest of time so I'm just in a dark place about all of this.

[@TheLegend21D]

The lack of compete is the most damning

[@JohnnyReno71]

Drury never addressed the needs in the offseason, if he did they might not be in this position. Need speed, gritt and 1RW and Trouba is still there.

[@Nuclear_Onion]

Having 0 cap doesn't help

[@judistzoinkiski3395]

Still better speed than the Preds

[@barrygelb1218]

they have had decent wingers here-i think the pattern is revealing that Z and K are the problem-not Smith, not Roslovic, not Tarasenko

[@JohnnyReno71]

@@Nuclear_Onion this is why I’d trade Igor, it frees up lots of space they get players, picks and prospects. They dont need a 12 million dollar goaltender. It’s been proven in the playoffs.

[@people3865]

I love how people state this like a GM can just go out and get a 1RW, top 4RHD with grit, and some speedy bottom six guys.

[@NothingToPointOut24]

The division being better def has to be a cause for more concern than last year. They can still contend for the division and might even win it if Igor turns it around, but this year the Caps arent going to be a pushover in the playoffs like they were last season. Devils look more like they did 2 years ago than last year. Canes even look like more of a Cup contender. Meanwhile the Rangers are stuck in neutral. IDK if their Cup window has closed cause they still have a great goalie and can beat anyone, but maybe this current core needs a shakeup. Also the fact is they've played 45 playoff games the last 3 years. Thats gotta take its toll eventually.

[@MarkCMG]

Thanks for the video! I don't think the Rangers should panic. Except for the two Devils games and the Canes and Bolts, their December schedule might be fairly forgiving. January looks tougher but if they don't turn things around by then, well, maybe hit the panic button in the new year.

[@wolfxp2]

I believe that win against Vancouver is the only win they have against teams that made the playoffs last season

[@TheSnapback]

Leafs as well, but to be fair there were some non-playoff teams that still put up a hell of a fight and lost. Non-playoff teams beat playoff teams all the time. It's not about the Rangers not winning against playoff teams, they were still a good team up until November. It's all mental, this is a good team on paper. They just need to have the right mindset, and a lot of that is on the coach. The system is also clearly failing.

[@wolfxp2]

@ the coach is the last problem, this is the cores 3rd coach. They won the Presidents trophy last year, and have made it to the Eastern conference finals twice this decade. The players just give up when it gets hard. Doesn’t matter who behind the behind the bench, they don’t defend. Plus some players just can’t play d, trouba, Lindy looking at you. And this is the case all the time, they just put the puck back in the net more often than not, but there not doing that against good teams

[@wolfxp2]

@@TheSnapback and it’s kinda funny you bring up the leafs, the rangers did the exact same thing, they gave all the money away before winning anything

[@CarlosMSotelo]

It's unsurprising, really. The team who failed to stop the Panthers from scoring and who didn't score enough against them are having troubles defensively and not producing enough goals in general this time. And they did nothing to fix any of those issues in the summer, so, we could see that coming.

[@KevinBrevin]

TBH The panthers slump is much worse then the rangers.

[@collinclary5762]

Panthers have a cup

[@frankt285]

Florida has much more determination than the Rangers.... j.s. 😮😮😮😮

[@Nuclear_Onion]

No it isn't lol

[@mr.devil9577]

They just won the cup so it doesn't matter lol

[@butcherpete2286]

Nah. The Panthers are still putting good games together not 6 months after winning a cup.

[@MJ-gw2zu]

Hockey guy gets it. Cap space and player equity on other teams. We can point fingers but players have concurrent value and teams analyze that towards their best interests. Tough spot for rangere

[@Jimi86]

As someone who has watched every single second of the rangers this season, they've been pretty bad all year. Defense is optional at best while players like 20, 93, 79, 55 and 8 have been severly underperforming and looking like they dont care at all. On the bright side, 50, 24, 4, 6 and 13 has strong seasons so far. And the goaltenders, at this point, I don't see either of them resigning with the Rangers next year.

[@Jimi86]

Furthermore, the Rangers probably have had the softest schedule of all teams. Not a single back to back and not really any long road trips..

[@evanj4788]

Have they tried starting Tommy Devito?

[@Scantronimus466]

Or Danny Devito?

[@evanj4788]

@ This might work

[@bted]

As a Devils fan, really enjoying the Rangers drama. They have weaknesses for sure, but I don't think they're that bad. Pretty much the same group that won the vaunted LmaoRegularSeasonChampionship banner. Anyway, they beat us pretty convincingly last year, so I hope to return the favor this year.

[@TheSnapback]

Devils were just 12-7-2 a little while ago, if the Rangers win their next game they will be at a better pace. The thing is that the Devils actually got 4 more games to rebound, the Rangers haven't yet. For all we know the Rangers will look like a much better team a week from now. They need to change things quick though, it's all mental.

[@bted]

@@TheSnapback Devils are in a very different situation than the Rangers. New players, new coach, new goalie, and easily the most hectic schedule in the league to start. I agree though, Rangers will likely turn things around before too long.

[@mikepanick9362]

Regardless, the Rangers fans will take over your building again. And again, and again. Win ten more cups ? Nobody likes the Devholes. Keep Lil’ Jackie healthy 😂😅😂.

[@missstar219]

@@mikepanick9362you’re a grown ass man this is the corniest way to cope

[@alastairclarke]

Trouba is overpaid. As a Jets fan, I felt burned when he left. I get it. They offered him $$$. And now it's coming back to bite NYR. I wonder what's going to happen....

[@havenless3551]

Trouba is the critical piece for playing the flying elbow formation though

[@coordinator3039]

Rangers about to get owned by the Devils

[@hckykd39]

Full panic this team has been carried by the power play for 3 years

[@NHLCrazy2007]

@TheHockeyGuy Thanks Shannon. Great video. I already said what I needed to say in your previous video about the Rangers, but I will add that they still need to find a way to prioritize moving Jacob Trouba and Ryan Lindgren. You said it is unlikely during this season, but Chris Drury needs to find a way. And I also previously stated that this is more than just a 3-game losing streak for an above-500 team. The problems the Rangers are having have lasted for some time now, not just in these first 20 games on this season. Definitely check out Larry Brooks' recent tweet specifically on Trouba and tell me what you think if he refuses to accept a deal this time around as opposed to blocking one over the past summer. Many fans here made some good points in this comment section and it is good to see. I know I'm not alone in my thoughts on where the team stands.

[@lambknot]

Is there any disparity between teams that have more right handed shots than left handed? Their offense seems to dry up by the 3rd round.

[@revon0521]

Excellent analysis. Brutal reality for my team: heat up or sit the rest of the season on the outside looking in.

[@4517onlyglory]

When the canes on the horizon, I see what you did here... can't wait for the playoffs though for devils to kick that team out of town or canes rematch

[@marfenperson8181]

I'd just like to say that as a Devils fan, i would never stoop so low as to get elbowed by the Rags in their time of need. Pure class.

[@brianrupp5974]

Devils are way better than the Rangers. Where are all those cocky Ranger fans now?

[@mariovaccarella6854]

Great Video, as usual, Shannon - I don't know what's wrong in New York, with The Rangers. I know that it's from signings like Jacob Trouba, but, that's in the past. How Chris Drury is going to change this without A Retool/Rebuild is beyond me.

[@DanielNYR]

As a Rangers fan in my mid-30s who doesn't remember 94 because I was too young.. I am numb to the perpetual cycle of being good enough to compete but not good enough to win. I don't know what to do, I'm not a NHL manager. I like the idea of moving Trouba and Lindgren, but if some random fan like myself thinks that's a good move then I'm certain the other 31 NHL teams know they don't want those players. I just hope they figure it out. We didn't get Lundqvist a cup.. it would kill me if we can't get Igor one.

[@stoddard1953]

This makes me wonder if the Rangers make a big trade to shake up the division. Unsure what that might be, but I wouldn't count it out. They have no cap space, but they do have some good players on the team. Dare I say... trade Panarin? He's 33, not getting any younger, while still productive, could fall off a cliff at any moment. Not saying he will, but you never know.

[@KillJoy323]

Been watching forever, thanks for the content

[@Mike_Poppe]

I just don’t get what changed. You start 5-0-1 and then become an awful defensive team. Shesterkin and Quick have needed to be super human just to stay at .500. I don’t get it

[@honrodgers9472]

They started playing good teams

[@mercywilliams2698]

Right.. agree and with THG saying there are several really strong Metro teams at this point..

[@Vienna107]

I think Rangers fans are just concerned because it seems like deja vu. Be a contender for a while, get close, and then start to flatten out. The core with Callahan, Dubinsky, Del Zotto, Zuccarello, Stepan, Boyle, Staal, Girardi and McDonagh followed this similar script. Got to the Cup, and then never got that close again. This current core seems like they haven't recovered from having a 2-0 lead, 2-0 lead in Game 3 of the ECF a couple years ago. The Wild would never do it, but I've wanted Zuccarello back since he left. Lindgren seems like Girardi 2.0, tough but slowing down. Miller is like another Marc Staal, young with promise, but has a lot of defensive breakdowns and Trouba, like another Yandle/Shattenkirk, overpaid and way better player on his previous team. Another concern for me personally is that the former core seemed to have more heart than this current one does, which seems to rely on talent alone.

[@greggf6831]

I watch all the Ranger games, and the only reason for most wins is Shesterkin. The allowed 50 shots against the flames says it all, 43 against the Blues

[@petrpumpkineater]

CLB seems like a great fit to take one or two expensive NYR veterans. They have lots of attractive assets to send back (Jiricek, Brindley). They need to rplc JG & make the playoffs for existing vets like ZW, SM, BJ, DS, etc. CK has 3yrs left & JT only two: minimal risk.

[@faflunk]

Excellent, very measured analysis, as usual. The Rangers are boxed in by a bunch of underperforming contracts. I see them potentially missing the playoffs or getting bounced early. The failure to get some value for Trouba over the summer had cascading consequences. They are the only team in the division that got worse relative to last year.

[@Константин-т7ь2м]

You have to do this kind of analysis on every team by the new year!

[@gregvogel9859]

Most teams have a bump along the way. This is definitely a bump, but as you said they’re capable of turning it around and I believe they will. The teams in front of them are likely to have a bump at some point as well and certainly at least one or two will, so if they turn it around in the next couple games I still feel confident in a top 3 in the division finish.

[@kentvonmiddledorm677]

Yes. It’s time to panic.

[@Scantronimus466]

This has been a weird season so far. The Rangers, Bruins, and Avs are struggling. The Predators are one of the worst teams in the league. Buffalo is in a playoff spot. Calgary is on a roll.

[@ilai7893]

Lol this is a tale as old as time, of "let's move Kreider/ Zibanejad/ Trouba"; sometimes just gotta wait until they improve (or pay the price to ship them out if you're impatient)

[@memeaste7820]

Definitely some urgency, panic soon. The defense has been atrocious, and our veterans have been invisible but getting the most ice time. Cuylle and co should be gaining way more ice time

[@SFLET-up9ll]

Rags fan, Line changes have been a bane for years. TV only shows so much. Blaming a player for not being in position, but the actual reason is the player coming off the ice is dogging it. So he is not in position.

[@viperswhip]

I don't have a problem with a player going to market if they told the team they were going to do that before the trade deadline.

[@robertb5640]

Their record looks okay but when you watch them they just dont look right, something is missing even though its the same team that won the presidents trophy last season. The lack of energy is concerning.

[@humanbeing2420]

Three seasons and two long playoff runs - there's probably a degree of mental fatigue there. And guys may be unhappy about how Trouba and Goodrow were treated - not that they necessarily have any right to be.

[@Dryflyonly86]

1 cup since the the Japanese bombed PEARL HARBOR

[@Inkwelder]

Zibanejad has been on the ice for 10 of the last 12 rangers goals allowed. The +/- stinks, and were mostly worried about the mental flubs and lack of fight that the team has. We are 100% willing to get rid of lindgren, just give us a 4th round pick. We have depth on the blue line, and he’s a massive liability

[@gabrielrockman]

The Rangers can look at their roster and say "they should be doing better." That's something the Bruins can't say when they look at their roster. I think Boston's chances of making the playoffs went down when they fired Montgomery. So that should help the Rangers at least.

[@stu729]

On the one hand, we're slumping and the team is *capable* of playing great hockey. Capable. That's the key word. They're not right now, very few of them are, but there's the capability for them to stop sitting on their own shoulders and play well. So there's not sheer panic there. On the other hand, I've seen how this team is, so i do as Red Dwarf once put it: *Engaging panic circuits. *Panic circuits engaged. *BWAAAAAHOOOOOONOOOOOO!!!!!!

[@Mark-gj9po]

Overpaying on old people or handing our contracts that age so bad- this is what you get. Nyr constantly trying to balance being a real hockey team and a tourist attraction

[@MrCultivater]

You gotta look at player history as well as how he is playing right now.

[@YavE4]

I'm a Sabre fan, so I don't have any real insight aside from the games I watch when Buffalo isn't playing. But they remind me of Edmonton last year, to a lesser extent. I think they'll wind up fine, just a bump in the road. With that being said, their core is getting older...

[@ChrisLamia]

Rangers fans should want Lindgren to go. The D core has extremely minimal puck moving. He's the easy one to move.

[@xSnarfsx]

Everyone saying this player or that player is the problem isn't really paying attention. Almost the entire roster is in a slump. As of right now I just think this is a slump, there's too much skill on the team to continue playing like this. Maybe one option is to scratch some of the bigger guys who are underperforming just to shake things up?

[@harackmw]

is there a video on where McDavid will end up?

[@kmccart85]

CK is also suffering from injury another reason to prevent his move

[@Merlin_From_Shrek_3]

They beat a depleted canucks team and it's not a coaching problem. The core has this "good enough" mentality that is similar to the tone at the top

[@lacanm1554]

How concerning? Not concerning at all - signed this devils fan

[@Splinteastwood]

Basically what i got so far is past even this year the rangers are so fucked

[@martharunstheworld]

Definitely panic time. Whenever the Rangers start losing, I hear some of my fellow Rangers fans want to fire the coach. It's always the same "Fire ______ (whoever the coach is)." That's not always the problem. The team needs a change in player leadership, imo. Trouba and Mike really need to go. Will they? Who knows.

[@ryans3795]

It's a bit too early to tell personally, but the canes game is very important.

[@calvincharlie999]

I was giving this team a praise on the Vancouver game, ever since I done that, apparently they haven't been so good. And as you can see, I'm having player 1 syndrome. Lol

[@sharp7079]

They’re done, and i’m saying this as a Rangers fan

[@Jamesr18]

They go through a slump every single year and people say this, and they end up being just fine. Last year everyone in the tnt panel was freaking out and they won the presidents trophy. Obviously I can’t see the future but I’m still not too concerned. If it gets to the point where they lose enough to even up their record then I’ll be worried

[@frankt285]

I don't see any spark/life from the Rangers or, management... 😔 just Stagnant...

[@MrCultivater]

lol as a rangers fan makes sence to say that

[@ShantyIrishman]

It's very concerning, left side of the defense and Trouba looks like a blackhole, the expectations this year was cup or bust and they look like a bubble team.

[@juholaitakari1305]

Kakko is on pace for 49 points as a 3rd liner. He’s gonna get a raise one way or the other if he keeps this level. Given it’s a big if.

[@artiemarruffo]

for a second overall pick thats pathetic..........still think hes better than Hughes hahahahha

[@juholaitakari1305]

@ People like you make THG comment section a reeking piece of garbage.

[@bobantoniuk3953]

If I'm Shesterkin, I'm looking elsewhere after this season. He will be stuck on a team heading in a downward spiral if he stays in NY.

[@humanbeing2420]

Drury should be fired. This off-season he needed to get an elite 1C, an elite goal-scoring RW, a Norris-caliber offensive defenseman and at least 5 role players with toughness and grit along with skill. He didn't. Terrible GM. Fire him now.

[@davenavy9960]

Its the way they are losing that is the problem, no effort.

[@hockey582004]

The eb and flow of the season always seems to be weaker than the eb and flow of fans.

[@youngandfree93]

Way too many long term contracts. There should be no untouchables on this team.

[@doubledouble4g379]

No need to worry about the Rangers having another disappointing season - no use being afraid of the inevitable.

[@davidwhidden9337]

Panic? Yes. I don't see a big reason as to why they are so down. Examoles like major injury, players have personal issues between each other. Playing bad to get a coach fires. Rough Schedule etc.

[@TheUnknownTwister]

honestly the rangers needs Ryan Reaves back

[@SK-WPG]

The Rangers are in 10th spot in the league and +12 in Goal Differential. Ummm... why are people concerned?

[@MrCultivater]

Yeah there definetly better than alot of teams

[@stoddard1953]

Because IF they keep slumping, and other teams keep winning, they'll fall out of a playoff spot. They're not far behind, but as we all know, that can change if any one team goes on a substantial winning/losing streak. The Rangers were HOT to start the year, so that adds onto the concern.

[@NHLCrazy2007]

Because their deficiencies and weaknesses that have been masked for so long are finally starting to really surface. Prior to their current 3-game losing streak, their above average goaltending and penalty killing are the only reasons they have an above-.500 record. And Saturday's loss to the Oilers showed that the slightest of not having your A game (I don't blame Jonathan Quick for that loss), the Rangers get lit up. I mean, c'mon... look at last night against a struggling Blues team that just made a coaching change, 5 goals on 43 shots. Terrible third period team and they scored 3 goals. The Rangers' defense and lack of production from their top players is very troubling. It is more than just a 3-game slide here.

[@SK-WPG]

@NHLCrazy2007 As a Winnipeg Jets fan, I get it. If Hellebuyck wasn't playing out of his mind most nights they would be lucky to be a .500 team.

[@NJDevilsF4N]

Most of their wins are against bottom tier opponents. They have 1 win against a team in a playoff spot. Their wins are against teams like Montreal, SJ, Detroit(x3), Ottawa, Anaheim, Pittsburgh. They aren't competitive in games against playoff teams. They can definitely turn it around but they are not going far in the playoffs if they don't make a change

[@saveyourselfplease5368]

Shersterkin trouba kieder for mcdavid next year 😢

[@jaypence332]

Rangers should trade Zibanejad to the Flames because Flames needs a center because Zary isn't a center.

[@mmonurdz9456]

As a Rangers fan I wouldn't mind seeing either Miller or Lindgren go. Sure, Lindgren is tough, but his defense is not that good anymore. It loos to me like all the punishment he's taken is catching up to him. If he isn't traded, then I hope he walks. Shisty isn't going anywhere. The Rangers will sign him. Chris Drury will be hunted down and killed if they don't

[@bdonaghu]

"They're not brain-dead..." *Joe Schoen has entered chat

[@jayjopam8505]

Multi year tank / wind down for Dupont??? Too early to panic for 24/25 ... The Cap situation & age of the core has been looming for some time, this is not news. They are playing out & hoping to get a cup and/or miracle retool. If not, Dupont as a Blueshirt doesnt seem all that impossible

[@Bdoggydog]

Dont get to black and white about the objective look of the rangers in the standings rn, they are not a serious cup contending team at all...and thats the problem, i think management realizes this and they might be closer to a retool or rebuild than a cup

[@jakeblizzy]

last game wasn’t a slump, BLUES ARE BACK BABY, 42 SHOTS?!?!

[@hockeynut244]

I wish Detroit would fire their head coach.

[@coltonjpbanville5680]

Trouba is gone by christmas. He’s my least favorite ranger in my 20 years as a true fan. He makes my blood boil.

[@benbaxter2061]

Rangers should just fold the team. Only good answer.

[@yertyeshi]

They need to trade Panarin. Get value for him now since you won't resign him in 2026 anyways

[@D...M...A...]

We'll win the next 10 , it's Rangers hockey ... We did this last year ... Then boom...

[@Vladiator01]

if rangers lose shesterkin thats a big yikes

[@ritterengine1289]

Rangers need Gallant back

[@ianhall6614]

Can I get a retool with extra retool please?

[@w.l.graves7228]

rangers are playing like crap , and goaltending has gone south with 6-2 loss to st. louis i don't think laviolette is a good coach for this team , where is the grit ? nowhere in sight , and yes ,new jersey & washington are much better teams this year.

[@Wogger72]

Stay the course push through. Pull it together and win the cup! They have the tools