BUFFALO — The New York Rangers' return from the 4 Nations face-off break proved disastrous as the team faced off against the Buffalo Sabres, succumbing to an embarrassing 8-2 defeat at KeyBank Center. For fans, the game was particularly painful to watch.
Just 18 minutes and 21 seconds were all it took for the Rangers' star goalie Igor Shesterkin to be pulled from the ice after giving up five goals on only 16 shots. This marked the lowest point for the Rangers this season, especially against the Eastern Conference-worst Sabres, who, up to this game, were struggling significantly.
Shesterkin's performance raised eyebrows among the spectators and critics alike. The former Vezina Trophy winner, who has been the backbone of the Rangers’ defense, had recently returned from injury but appeared anything but sharp. According to reports from USA TODAY, this outing marked the first time the Rangers allowed five goals within the first period this season, and it pushed Shesterkin to 1-5 over his last six starts, with his save percentage drooping to approximately 0.817.
Head coach Peter Laviolette didn’t mince words about the team's performance. “There was nothing good about the game,” he remarked following the blowout. It’s evident he’s grappling with both strategy and morale as the trade deadline approaches. Laviolette's frustration boiled over as he shuffled his lines, searching for any semblance of cohesion but finding little success.
The Rangers got off to one of the worst starts imaginable. Just 1:46 minutes after puck drop, K'Andre Miller’s careless turnover allowed Jack Quinn to score the first goal. The Sabres quickly built momentum, capitalizing on defensive miscues and exhibiting the tenacity the Rangers lacked.
Rasmus Dahlin struck next, tipping one past Shesterkin, and by 15:32 of the first period, it was 3-0 after Tage Thompson netted another goal, powering through the Rangers' defense. The onslaught continued with Ryan McLeod and Dahlin both adding to the tally, forcing Shesterkin to be pulled and Jonathan Quick to step up as backup.
Quick made 14 saves, but the damage was already done. The score was 5-0 by the end of the first frame, with the Sabres outshooting the Rangers 16-8. For Laviolette, this poor performance, including the eight goals allowed, solidified to him just how fundamental these issues were becoming. “Puck management is key,” went on Zibanejad, who voiced his concerns about the team’s need to control the game rather than let mistakes dictate their play. “We didn’t play the right way early.”
Despite scoring two goals during the second period, as Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad managed to find the net, the Rangers’ efforts were nothing but window dressing on the scoreboard. They simply failed to keep pace. Buffalo not only scored three more goals but did so with alarming ease. Thompson found the net for his second goal, followed by McLeod. Then, just 36 seconds left, Henri Jokiharju capped it all off with yet another goal, leaving the Rangers reeling.
This defeat left the Rangers four points outside of the wildcard playoff spot with only six games left until the trade deadline. The team's chances for the playoffs seem thinner than ever as the season winds down. Zibanejad's words resonate deeply, reitering the lack of urgency and energy on the ice: “It’s frustrating.”
With less than two weeks until trade decisions must be made, management faces tough choices. The impact of this most recent loss has painted the Rangers as potential sellers at the trade deadline, with calls for significant roster adjustments. Zibanejad acknowledged, “You could always find things from the outside, but we know what position we're in.” It begs the question: how many of these players will be wearing blueshirts by this time next month?
What remains to be seen is how the Rangers will turn things around. With road games looming, immediate shifts need to occur if the team hopes to salvage their playoff aspirations. It's time for the Rangers to regroup and plus up their effort before the calendar flips to March. Laviolette's words provide the crux of the issue, underscoring effort, execution, and managing the game as areas of concern. The fans of New York will be watching closely.