The New York Rangers suffered a disappointing 3-2 loss to a Pittsburgh Penguins team missing its biggest star, Sidney Crosby. This marks another frustrating defeat for a team that started the season strong but has recently shown signs of regression. Here are three key reasons the Rangers’ struggles may continue in the coming games.
3. Goaltending No Longer Masking Issues
Igor Shesterkin is one of the best goalies in the NHL, but he can’t do it all alone. While he made several key saves against the Penguins, the Rangers can no longer rely on him to bail them out every night. Over the last few weeks, Shesterkin’s numbers have dipped, a reflection of the increased defensive lapses in front of him. If the Rangers don’t provide better support in their own zone, even elite goaltending won’t be enough to keep them in the win column.
2. Defensive Inconsistencies and Costly Turnovers
The Rangers’ defensive unit has been anything but reliable lately. Against Pittsburgh, defensive breakdowns led directly to two Penguins goals, including a brutal turnover by K’Andre Miller that set up the game-winner. The absence of Ryan Lindgren due to injury has left a noticeable hole in the top four, forcing extra minutes onto struggling players. Without tighter defensive discipline, the Rangers will continue to give up costly goals in close games.
1. Power Play Woes Are Sinking the Offense
What was once one of the Rangers’ biggest strengths has turned into a major liability. Over the past stretch of games, the Blueshirts’ power play has been alarmingly inefficient, failing to capitalize on key opportunities. Against the Penguins, the Rangers went 0-for-3 on the man advantage, continuing a troubling trend. The lack of movement, predictable zone entries, and over-reliance on Mika Zibanejad’s one-timer have made the unit stagnant, leading to easy kills for opponents. If the Rangers can’t fix their special teams, their scoring struggles will persist.
What’s Next for the Rangers?
The Rangers are still a talented team, but these weaknesses are becoming glaring issues. If they don’t find answers soon—whether it’s a lineup shakeup, tactical adjustments, or even a trade—this recent skid could turn into a long-term problem. With tough matchups ahead, New York must quickly correct these flaws or risk slipping further down the standings.
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