Rangers Limp Into Break After Another Disastrous Loss To Rival Devils With Chris Kreider Scratched

Rangers Limp Into Break After Another Disastrous Loss To Rival Devils With Chris Kreider Scratched

Introduction

The New York Rangers limped into the All-Star break after another disastrous loss to their rivals, the New Jersey Devils, on Tuesday night. The 4-1 defeat marked the Rangers' fourth consecutive loss and dropped them to 23-21-6 on the season, good for only 10th place in the Eastern Conference.

The loss was particularly disappointing given that the Rangers were coming off a hard-fought 3-2 overtime win over the Boston Bruins on Saturday night. In that game, the Rangers rallied from a 2-0 deficit to force overtime and eventually win on a goal by Chris Kreider.

Kreider, however, was scratched from Tuesday's lineup due to a lower-body injury. His absence was a major blow to the Rangers, as he is their leading scorer with 25 goals this season.

Without Kreider, the Rangers struggled to generate offense against the Devils. They managed just 21 shots on goal, their lowest total in any game this season. The Devils, meanwhile, took advantage of their opportunities, scoring four goals on 27 shots.

The Rangers' loss was their fourth in a row to the Devils this season. The Devils have now won six of the seven meetings between the two teams this year.

The Rangers' struggles against the Devils are a microcosm of their season as a whole. The Rangers have been inconsistent all season long, and they have struggled to find any rhythm. They have also been plagued by injuries, with Kreider being just the latest example.

The Rangers have a lot of work to do if they want to turn their season around. They need to find a way to generate more offense, and they need to stay healthy. If they can do those things, they have the potential to be a playoff team. But if they continue to play the way they have been, they will be fighting for a lottery pick at the end of the season.

The Rangers' Struggles

The Rangers have struggled all season long to generate offense. They are currently ranked 29th in the NHL in goals per game, averaging just 2.63 goals per game.

The Rangers' struggles on offense are due to a number of factors. One factor is the team's lack of depth. The Rangers do not have a lot of players who can consistently score goals. Kreider is the only Ranger who has scored more than 20 goals this season.

Another factor is the Rangers' poor power play. The Rangers are currently ranked 29th in the NHL in power play percentage, converting just 17.2% of their power plays.

The Rangers' struggles on offense have been compounded by their struggles on defense. The Rangers are currently ranked 25th in the NHL in goals against per game, averaging 3.32 goals against per game.

The Rangers' struggles on defense are due to a number of factors. One factor is the team's lack of size. The Rangers do not have a lot of big, physical defensemen who can shut down opposing forwards.

Another factor is the Rangers' poor goaltending. Igor Shesterkin, the Rangers' starting goaltender, has not been playing well this season. He has a save percentage of just .891, which is well below his career average.

The Rangers' struggles on offense and defense have led to a lot of losses. The Rangers have lost 21 of their 48 games this season. They are currently in 10th place in the Eastern Conference, and they are in danger of missing the playoffs.

The Rangers' Path Forward

The Rangers need to make some changes if they want to turn their season around. They need to find a way to generate more offense, and they need to shore up their defense.

One way the Rangers can generate more offense is to get more production from their depth players. The Rangers have a number of young players who have the potential to be good scorers. Players like Alexis Lafreniere, Kaapo Kakko, and Vitali Kravtsov need to start producing more if the Rangers want to be successful.

Another way the Rangers can generate more offense is to improve their power play. The Rangers' power play has been abysmal this season. They need to find a way to create more scoring chances and convert more of their opportunities.

The Rangers also need to shore up their defense. One way they can do that is to get more size on the back end. The Rangers need to add some big, physical defensemen who can shut down opposing forwards.

Another way the Rangers can improve their defense is to get better goaltending. Shesterkin has not been playing well this season. The Rangers need him to play better if they want to be successful.

The Rangers have a lot of work to do if they want to turn their season around. But if they can make some changes, they have the potential to be a playoff team.

Conclusion

The Rangers are in a tough spot. They are limping into the All-Star break after another disappointing loss. But they still have time to turn their season around.

The Rangers need to make some changes, but they have the potential to be a good team. They have a lot of young talent, and they have a good coach in Gerard Gallant.

If the Rangers can make the necessary changes, they can still make the playoffs. But if they continue to play the way they have been, they will be fighting for a lottery pick at the end of the season.