Rangers’ preseason struggles raise concerns about resilience ahead of regular season
Preseason hockey is often a mixed bag for teams like the New York Rangers. While the final scores may not dictate the team’s confidence as the regular season approaches, the performances can reveal underlying issues. With the Rangers’ roster largely set, featuring established stars like Adam Fox, Artemi Panarin, and Igor Shesterkin, the focus this time of year is typically on players vying for roster spots. Yet, the team’s recent struggles in holding leads have ignited questions about their readiness for the challenges ahead.
Assessing the Preseason Performance
The preseason serves as a crucial period for teams to shake off the rust, but it can also foreshadow regular-season dynamics. A troubling trend can emerge from a team’s performance in these games, as past struggles often echo into the regular season. With only two preseason games played, it’s important not to overreact. However, the Rangers’ recent outings have raised eyebrows.
In their latest matchup against the New York Islanders, the Rangers found themselves in a familiar position—holding a two-goal lead, only to watch it slip away. This loss marked the second consecutive game in which they relinquished a lead, a pattern that cannot be ignored. Fox expressed the frustration felt by the team, stating, “You want to win games that you’re playing… We’ve, the two games, been the better team for most of it… But you don’t want that stuff to creep in when you do have a two-goal lead in games.”
The Loss to the Islanders and its Implications
The loss to the Islanders on Thursday night was particularly disheartening. After taking a commanding lead, the Rangers fell victim to their own inability to close out the game. This raises critical questions about their mental fortitude as they gear up for the regular season.
Earlier in the week, during a game against the Boston Bruins, the Rangers found themselves in a similar predicament. They dominated the early stages, securing a 4-1 lead courtesy of goals from top prospect Gabe Perreault and marquee free-agent acquisition Vladislav Gavrikov. However, the third period saw a dramatic shift as the Blueshirts allowed three unanswered goals, culminating in a crushing overtime loss. Veteran defenseman Nikita Zadorov clinched the victory for Boston, a stark reminder of how quickly momentum can shift.
Looking Ahead
While the importance of preseason performance can often be debated, the Rangers must address these recurring issues before the regular season begins. The ability to maintain leads and close out games will be crucial if they hope to compete at a high level. As the team prepares for the upcoming campaign, the lessons learned in these early games could play a pivotal role in their success or failure.
With the clock ticking toward the start of the season, the Rangers’ coaching staff and players alike will need to find a way to translate their strengths into lasting results, ensuring that the ghosts of preseason do not haunt them in the months to come.
