After what was a good start to the 2024-25 season, the New York Rangers have been in a downward spiral ever since that has left the team struggling for answers.
It seems the Rangers can do little right, as even the Jacob Trouba trade had a conference rival accusing GM Chris Drury of "soft-tampering."
One of the more noticeable issues for the New York Rangers is star player Mika Zibanejad, who is nowhere near his regular self so far in 2024-25.
There has been plenty of speculation on what is wrong, but insider Larry Brooks of the New York Post says the problem ultimately lies with Mika Zibanejad himself.
Brooks recently appeared on the Spittin' Chiclets podcast where he said Zibanejad is a sensitive person, and he's letting criticism from fans and analysts get to him.
It would sure explain a lot if Larry Brooks assessment is correct. Zibanejad has looked like a shell of his former self so far this season, and things seem to get progressively worse with each game.
It likely didn't help anyone on the team when Jacob Trouba accused GM Chris Drury of threatening to place him on waivers if he didn't waiver his no-trade clause during the exchange to the Anaheim Ducks.
Moral is low for the Rangers, and just keeps getting lower. Zibanejad and the team need to figure this out, or risk a wasted season.
POLL | ||
7 HOURS AGO | 32 ANSWERS The Real Reason Behind Mika Zibanejad's Struggles in New York Confirmed by Insider Do you think Mika Zibanejad and the New York Rangers can salvage the 2024-25 NHL season? | ||
G | A | PTS | ||
Mikko Rantanen | 3 | 2 | 5 | |
Nathan MacKinnon | 1 | 4 | 5 | |
Mark Scheifele | 2 | 1 | 3 | |
Kyle Connor | 1 | 2 | 3 | |
Marcus Johansson | 1 | 2 | 3 | |
Robert Thomas | 1 | 2 | 3 | |
Clayton Keller | 2 | - | 2 | |
Travis Konecny | 2 | - | 2 | |
Luke Kunin | 2 | - | 2 | |
Jonathan Marchessault | 2 | - | 2 | |
Nikita Chibrikov | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
Leon Draisaitl | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
Morgan Frost | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
Dylan Holloway | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
Jonathan Huberdeau | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
Kent Johnson | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
Adrian Kempe | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
Elias Pettersson | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
Kevin Rooney | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
Gabriel Vilardi | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
Complete stats |
STANDINGS 2024-2025 | ||||||
TOP 10 | GP | W | L | OL | PTS | |
Wild | 28 | 19 | 5 | 4 | 42 | |
Jets | 30 | 21 | 9 | - | 42 | |
Capitals | 27 | 19 | 6 | 2 | 40 | |
Golden Knights | 28 | 18 | 7 | 3 | 39 | |
Devils | 31 | 18 | 10 | 3 | 39 | |
Panthers | 29 | 18 | 9 | 2 | 38 | |
Hurricanes | 28 | 18 | 9 | 1 | 37 | |
Kings | 28 | 17 | 8 | 3 | 37 | |
Maple Leafs | 28 | 17 | 9 | 2 | 36 | |
Stars | 27 | 17 | 10 | - | 34 | |
Conference | Cumulative |