The struggle is real for the New York Rangers as they attempt to break free from a dismal stretch in the season, currently marked by a two-game losing streak. Last night's loss against the Toronto Maple Leafs, where the Rangers fell 4-3, pushed them out of a playoff spot, triggering a need for urgent changes in strategy. Head coach Peter Laviolette is making efforts to rejuvenate the team's performance, particularly their lackluster power play, which has seen just one successful goal out of 22 opportunities in their last ten games.
In a bold move on March 21, 2025, Laviolette rearranged his power-play units during a practice session, elevating Alexis Lafrenière to the first unit and moving Mika Zibanejad down to the second. The new first unit is now comprised of Vincent Trocheck, Artemi Panarin, Lafrenière, Chris Kreider, and Adam Fox, while the second unit features J.T. Miller, Jonny Brodzinski, Zibanejad, Will Cuylle, and Zac Jones. Laviolette hinted at the use of these changes in the upcoming match against the Vancouver Canucks. “If something’s not working, if it’s not getting results, at some point, you have to look at something different,” Laviolette stated during an interview.
Despite the changes, the recent form of the Rangers has been underwhelming. They have only captured two wins out of their last nine games, with those wins feeling increasingly distant with each passing match. Players have expressed a sense of urgency about turning their fortunes around. J.T. Miller, who was part of the second unit, reflected on the need for new energy in the power play. “Just a little life in the groups. Everybody is excited to see some new faces. Sometimes that works, so we’ll see,” he said. The players understand that generating goals isn’t simply about scoring—they need to create momentum for the entire team.
Pressure is amping up not just from the disappointing on-ice performance but also from the playoff implications—current circumstances see the Rangers trailing the Montreal Canadiens by two points in the Eastern Conference wild card standing. It’s a tightening race at the close of the season, and Laviolette admits that time is of the essence. “We’re letting games go by and we’re not putting points in the column,” he acknowledged. “We’ve got to win hockey games, we’re down the stretch, we’re in the final leg here, and we’ve got to put wins in the column.”
The recent clash with the Maple Leafs served as a stark reminder of the stakes ahead. During that game, John Tavares reached a significant milestone by netting his 1,100th career NHL point, marking an individual achievement amidst the team's collective frustrations. The loss came just three days after a 2-1 defeat against the Calgary Flames, adding to the team's mounting worries.
The upcoming game against the Canucks will be particularly significant as it marks J.T. Miller’s first encounter with his former teammates since being traded back to the Rangers on January 31, 2025. Miller, who enjoyed a productive scoring run with Vancouver, where he accumulated 437 points over 404 games, reflects on this reunion with mixed emotions. “Some of my best friends are on that team,” he shared, ushering in a sense of friendly rivalry. However, he’s prepared for a tough contest on the ice and knows that once the puck drops, it’s all about competition. “Once tomorrow comes, it’s going to be a war,” he said, emphasizing the seriousness of their playoff aspirations.
For Laviolette, the key is to not dwell on previous losses. He recognizes that discontent can’t change the past, and it is essential to keep focused on future opportunities. “We’ve got to turn the page, go out on the ice today, and get ready for tomorrow,” he detailed, urging his team to seize every chance that comes their way. The Rangers have fewer than 15 games left in their season, making each one critical in effort to secure a playoff spot.
As anticipation builds for tomorrow night’s matchup, the spotlight is on the Rangers. With lineup changes aimed at bringing new energy, players are hoping their efforts will translate into the urgency on the ice needed to secure these vital points. The game against the Canucks isn’t just another matchup on the NHL calendar—it's a moment ripe with potential for a team searching for momentum and clarity in their playoff pursuit.
Fans at Madison Square Garden will be hoping their struggling team can channel the excitement and energy of a new lineup into a victory, igniting a much-needed turnaround as the season's conclusion draws closer. The challenge ahead is monumental, but for the Rangers, it’s an opportunity—a chance to rewrite the narrative of their season.
