Rangers Struggle Mid-Season Against Hurricanes

RALEIGH, N.C. — As we’re now halfway through the 2025-26 season, it’s pretty evident the Rangers aren’t quite the team they aim to be.

This realization hit hard on Monday night during Game 41 of the 82-game slate, when the Blueshirts squandered a lead in the third period and fell 3-2 to the Hurricanes in overtime.

In a match that stressed fundamental aspects of the game—like goaltending and power plays—the Rangers just couldn’t find a way to best the Metropolitan Division leaders.

Jackson Blake clinched the victory for Carolina with a power-play goal just 12.6 seconds into overtime, solidifying their fourth place spot in the NHL standings.

The Rangers initially had a strong showing, earning an early power-play goal from Vladislav Gavrikov.

After applying pressure on the net, Noah Laba drew a penalty on Alexander Nikin. Mule had to step briefly to the locker room for hand treatment, yet the Rangers capitalized just 30 seconds into the power play.

Gavrikov fired in his first power-play point, marking his seventh goal of the season—a new career high for the 30-year-old in his seventh NHL season.

However, Carolina turned the tide by outshooting the Rangers in the first period, 13-5, and managed to tie it up with their own power play goal at 15:57.

Discipline issues arose as Johnny Brodzinski and Braden Schneider took undisciplined penalties, allowing the Hurricanes to take advantage with a 5-3 situation. Sebastian Aho then scored his 14th goal of the season, making it 1-1.

The midfield action was fairly balanced, with the visiting team leading 2-1 at one point.

Brodzinski navigated around the Canes’ net, breaking free from coverage and dislodging the puck from Sam Carrick’s grasp. Matthew Robertson’s one-timer from the top helped the Rangers secure a crucial point.

In the third period, the home team evened the score once again, as a puck deflected off Jordan Martinuk, who was stationed right in front of the Rangers’ net.