The New York Rangers are heading into a crucial week with significant matchups against the Californian NHL teams, aiming to bolster their playoff aspirations following a rollercoaster of games lately.
As the Rangers embark on a three-game road trip starting with a face-off against the Los Angeles Kings on March 25, 2025, they are currently clinging on to playoff hopes by holding a record of 34 wins, 31 losses, and 6 overtime losses, ranking fourth in the Metropolitan Division. With only eleven games remaining in the regular season, every match is pivotal.
The Rangers’ last week was a challenging one; They experienced a disappointing 2-1 loss to the Calgary Flames, following up with a narrow 4-3 defeat against the Toronto Maple Leafs. However, the Rangers found a silver lining by securing a 5-3 victory against the Vancouver Canucks, overcoming a three-game losing streak. This win was propelled by depth forward Jonny Brodzinski, who netted two goals including the game-winner, all while delivering a motivational speech to rally his teammates during the second intermission.
“We need points right now and we're still in this run. After those first two periods, a little bit of yelling in the locker room. I think we figured it out as a team,” Brodzinski said postgame. He emphasized the importance of simplifying their gameplay, stating, “we got to stop turning pucks over and shooting ourselves in the foot.” The shift in momentum came when they played more direct, which led them to score in the extra period.
On the injury front, the team will be without Arthur Kaliyev for the remainder of the season due to an upper body injury sustained earlier in the season. Meanwhile, Nicolas Aubé-Kubel has been recently recalled from the Hartford Wolf Pack after a strong performance where he scored the game-winner in an overtime win. The Rangers' management hopes he can add depth as they navigate this challenging stretch of the season.
Head Coach Peter Laviolette’s leadership is under scrutiny after the team’s inconsistent performances. Following the Calgary game, there was widespread criticism regarding their lackluster effort. Laviolette called for an optional practice the day after, a move interpreted by many critics as too lenient. “Yeah, our work inside dropped off,” he admitted, acknowledging the team’s reluctance to impose their desired vigorous gameplay style.
Laviolette shared that his coaching philosophy remains centered on a physical, direct style of play – an approach that worked well last season leading to a fourth Presidents' Trophy for the franchise. However, this season has seen the Rangers revert to old habits, struggling with their puck decisions and getting outplayed, especially on the neutral zone battles.
In recent performances, even a significant talent like J.T. Miller, re-acquired from the Canucks in a high-profile trade, has experienced a reduction in production. Recent statistics show that while he had 14 points in his first 11 games, he has only managed to contribute six points in the last ten games. “If I'm moving my feet and physically engaged, playing that north-south hockey, then I’m at my best,” Miller said, indicating that maintaining a high-energy level throughout the season has become challenging.
Moreover, the Rangers’ special teams have come under fire. Despite a strong penalty kill ranked fifth in the league, the power play has dramatically fallen off, currently ranking 25th at a disappointing 18.3% conversion rate. The decline has baffled many fans and analysts, considering the consistency of offensive stars like Adam Fox and Artemi Panarin, who have historically fueled the team’s scoring opportunities.
As the Rangers prepare for their road trip, they face two of the league's best opportunities to secure vital points. Sitting just one point behind the Montreal Canadiens in the standings, each match against the Kings, Ducks, and Sharks could shift the momentum as they race for the last playoff berth. With their history of ups and downs this season, one can only wonder if this might finally be the turning point for the Rangers as they vie for a postseason berth.
The outcome of the upcoming games is not only crucial for maintaining their playoff hopes but also to provide clear direction for the management and coaching decisions going forward. Finals approaches with their roster are uncertain, but should they find a rhythm, it could point towards a fulfilling end to a season that has been filled with mixed results and frustrating times.
