Rangers Weekly Roundup: A Win, Three Losses, and a Whole Lot of Questions
Record: 22-28-6 (8th in Metro, 30th in NHL)
Last Week: OT win vs BOS, two losses to NYI, shootout loss to PIT
This Week: 2/5 vs CAR
Let’s start with the good news-yes, there was some. The Rangers managed to pull off an overtime win against Boston, a rare bright spot in what’s been a tough stretch.
But that momentum didn’t last long. They dropped both ends of a home-and-home with the Islanders and then fell in a 6-5 shootout heartbreaker to the Penguins.
That’s three straight losses after what felt like a potential turning point.
And if the on-ice results weren’t enough, the off-ice moves this week added a whole new layer of intrigue.
A Rare Cross-River Deal: Soucy to the Isles
The Rangers and Islanders don’t do business often, but when they do, it turns heads. That’s exactly what happened when the Rangers sent defenseman Carson Soucy across the river. It’s a rare trade between bitter rivals, and while Soucy didn’t exactly have a long tenure in blue, the move signals something bigger: the Rangers are open for business ahead of the Olympic break.
Panarin Scratched, Berard Recalled
The Artemi Panarin situation took another twist this week. The Rangers made the bold decision to keep him scratched until a trade materializes. It’s a tough pill to swallow given what Panarin has meant to this franchise, but it’s clear the front office is looking toward the future.
To fill the gap, they brought up Brett Berard from the AHL. The young winger has been knocking on the door, and now he’s getting a shot-albeit in less-than-ideal circumstances. His stay was short-lived, though, with roster shuffling continuing throughout the week.
Waiver Wire Activity: Vincent Iorio Claimed
In a move that adds depth to the blue line, the Rangers claimed defenseman Vincent Iorio off waivers. Iorio brings size and a bit of edge, and while he’s not expected to be a game-changer right away, he’s another piece in what’s becoming a very fluid roster puzzle. To make room, Berard was returned to the AHL-again underscoring how unsettled things are right now.
The Lafrenière Question
With the trade deadline looming and the Olympics on the horizon, the Rangers are evaluating every piece on the board-and that includes Alexis Lafrenière. There’s been growing chatter about potential trade destinations for the former No. 1 pick, and while nothing is imminent, it’s clear the organization is weighing its options. Lafrenière’s development hasn’t followed the superstar trajectory many hoped for, but he’s still young, still talented, and still holds value.
Who Stays, Who Goes?
The front office isn’t just looking at Panarin and Lafrenière. A broader retool is underway, and the question now is: who’s part of the next core?
There’s been internal discussion about which players are building blocks and which are trade chips. With the team sitting 30th in the league, it’s clear some tough decisions are coming.
Shesterkin and the Lundqvist Parallels
It’s impossible to ignore the parallels between Igor Shesterkin’s current situation and what Henrik Lundqvist endured late in his Rangers tenure-elite goaltending on a team that couldn’t keep up. Shesterkin continues to give the Rangers a chance most nights, but the support in front of him just isn’t there. If this retool doesn’t pick up steam quickly, the Rangers risk wasting another generational talent in net.
Team USA and the Olympic Outlook
The construction of Team USA’s Olympic roster doesn’t offer much help for the Rangers either. With few Blueshirts expected to make the cut, there’s no boost of international spotlight coming to Madison Square Garden. That might not seem like a big deal, but for a team struggling to find identity and momentum, every little edge counts.
Fan Confidence Check
With the team sitting near the bottom of the standings, trade rumors swirling, and cornerstone players in limbo, it’s a fair time to ask: where’s your confidence level? Coaching, management, roster direction-there’s a lot on the table right now. Let us know how you’re feeling about the state of the Rangers as we head into a pivotal stretch of the season.
Up Next: vs. Carolina on February 5th
The Hurricanes are never an easy matchup, and with the Rangers in flux, this one could get interesting. Will we see more lineup changes?
Another trade? A spark from the younger players?
One thing’s for sure-this team is anything but predictable right now.
Stay tuned.