Struggling Rangers need to act quickly to improve their offense

Concerns Loom for the Rangers

It’s probably not time to hit the panic button just yet. However, the signs aren’t great.

The Rangers are coming off a rough stretch, having recently ended a four-game losing streak (they lost to Utah before bouncing back). Now, they sit just one point shy of the top spot in the Eastern Conference.

This Wednesday, they’ll kick off a tough seven-game series, facing teams like Carolina, Boston, and Ottawa, while welcoming Tampa Bay, Dallas, Colorado, and Las Vegas.

First, though, they need a win against the struggling Blues at Madison Square Garden on Monday night. Currently, the Rangers hold the dubious title of the league’s least effective home team, sporting a record of 1-7-1.

“We have to act fast,” said defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov after Saturday’s game against the Mammoths. “It’s crucial we regroup quickly and get ready for Monday.”

But here’s the thing—there’s been a serious drop-off in scoring. The Rangers are averaging only 2.48 goals per game, which unfortunately places them 28th in the NHL. It’s the most meager scoring output for any team in nearly two decades.

Throughout their losing streak, they struggled to create quality chances, giving up 137 goals while only managing 79. The shooting percentage is also troubling, sitting at 9.3%, the team’s poorest in seven years.

Despite these challenges, the Rangers (with a record of 10-11-2) have only managed to score nine goals in their last five matches. Luckily, they’ve had the talents of Igor Shesterkin and Jonathan Quick to keep them competitive.

“We really need to start crafting chances again,” Mika Zibanejad mentioned. “Earlier this season, we were making opportunities but not finishing. Now, it feels like we’re not even getting as many looks as before. It’s a conversation we’re having, but we need to push forward. More offensive zone time is key, because right now it’s too easy for teams to get the puck and clear out.”

What’s crucial is that the Blues (7-9-6) are struggling too. They currently rank 30th in goals against (3.64) and 29th in save percentage (.876).

By the way, Saturday’s victory over the Islanders was the Blues’ only win in the last five games.

“Our five-on-five play has definitely got to improve,” said winger Will Quill. “Right now, we need to focus on getting pucks to the net more often, crowding the crease—a few dirty goals could go a long way.”

Adding to the woes, captain JT Miller is day-to-day with an upper body injury after he missed Saturday’s game, and defenseman Will Borgen is also day-to-day after being sidelined for four of the last five games.