NHL Power Rankings Week 7: Blue Jackets rising, Islanders at rock bottom
95. . (14-5-1). Previous: . New York Rangers. 2. team
Despite a rough week which featured a shootout loss to the Florida Panthers on Sunday, the Rangers are in pretty good shape. Even factoring in Mika Zibanejad’s unfortunate injury, New York has very good forward depth, so they should be able to overcome it. It appears Kevin Hayes will get first dibs to replace Zibanejad on the second forward line. Brandon Pirri is another option. This is what happens when you have forward depth – when someone goes down, you have multiple guys ready to replace them.
The Rangers are a fascinating team. They have been subpar as far as score-adjusted CorsiFor percentage (CF percentage) at even strength. In November, they have a 46.32 percent score-adjusted CF percentage). However, their even strength score-adjusted scoring chance for percentage (SCF percentage) is at an impressive 53.46 percent in November. This might not be sustainable over a full season, but the Rangers are a very fun team to watch right now. More importantly, they’re very good.
Yes, they have flaws. But they also have arguably the second best goalie in the NHL in Henrik Lundqvist. If the Rangers offense keeps giving him leads, he’ll keep most of them. Lundqvist, much like Carey Price, is an ultimate equalizer. All of this said, losing someone of Zibanejad’s caliber would hurt just about any team. Hayes and Pirri are both very good, but they aren’t of his caliber.
Rangers fans should be thankful for a very wise front office and for King Henrik. Also, for the reemergence of Rick Nash.