The Rangers wrapped up November with an 8-7-0 record-just a game over .500. That’s good for sixth in the Metropolitan Division, ninth in the Eastern Conference, and 20th overall.
Not exactly the kind of leap fans were hoping for after last season, but it wasn’t all doom and gloom either. There were flashes-moments where it felt like the Rangers were turning the corner.
But for every step forward, there was a stumble back. Consistency remains elusive.
Still, November gave us plenty to talk about. A few key players stepped up in a big way, while others are still searching for their rhythm. Let’s break it all down.
📈 Stock Up
Artemi Panarin
After a sluggish October, Artemi Panarin flipped the switch-and maybe the script-on his season. Heading into a contract year, the expectations were sky-high, but his early returns were underwhelming: just seven points in his first 12 games, with more than half of those coming in a single outing against Montreal.
Then came the haircut.
Panarin shaved his head in a move that felt part superstition, part statement-and the results were immediate. In his first game post-shave, he notched a goal and two assists in a road win over Detroit.
And he didn’t slow down. From that game through the end of the month, Panarin racked up 19 points, ranking fourth in the entire league over that stretch.
Even more impressive? He was third in the NHL in 5-on-5 points during that span.
This wasn’t just a bounce-back-it was a full-on resurgence. Panarin looked like the dynamic, game-changing forward the Rangers need him to be, and if this version sticks around, the Blueshirts' offense becomes a whole different beast.
Adam Fox & Vladislav Gavrikov
Let’s talk about the Rangers' top defensive duo, because they were nothing short of elite in November.
Adam Fox was, quite simply, one of the best defensemen in the league last month. He didn’t score a goal, but he still led all NHL defensemen in total points.
His underlying metrics were just as strong: among blue-liners with at least 100 minutes at 5-on-5, Fox ranked 12th in expected goals share (60.21%), 22nd in expected goals against per 60 minutes (2.17), and 18th in expected goals for per 60 (2.88). That’s elite two-way play, and he did it while consistently drawing top matchups.
Right there with him was Vladislav Gavrikov, who quietly had one of the most effective months of any shutdown defender across the league. His 5v5 expected goals against per 60 (2.22) was second-best among Rangers defensemen (behind only Fox), and his expected goals for per 60 (2.88) also ranked second on the team-again, trailing only Fox.
Even more impressive? Gavrikov was ninth among all NHL defensemen in 5v5 points in November with nine.
He’s known for his defensive reliability, but this kind of offensive contribution? That’s a bonus any coach would take.
Together, Fox and Gavrikov gave the Rangers exactly what you want from a top pair: they moved the puck, suppressed chances, and held their own against top competition.
Other Notable Risers
- Alexis Lafrenière: Continued to show flashes of the breakout fans have been waiting for.
- Mika Zibanejad: Quietly productive, doing the little things right.
- Jonny Brodzinski: Made the most of his minutes and brought energy to the bottom six.
📉 Stock Down
J.T. Miller
It was a tough month for the Rangers’ captain. Seven points in 13 games isn’t disastrous on paper, but only three of those came at even strength-and that’s where the concerns start to pile up.
There were stretches where Miller looked disengaged, and one particularly poor shift against Vegas drew viral criticism from former Ranger Sean Avery.
That said, there are some signs of life. Miller ranked sixth on the team in expected goals share and was one of only seven Rangers players with a mark above 50%.
He also picked up a goal and an assist after returning from injury. So while the production hasn’t been there, the underlying numbers suggest he’s not far off from turning things around.
Other Notable Fallers
- Carson Soucy
- Will Borgen
- Urho Vaakanainen
- Braden Schneider
- Sam Carrick
- Taylor Raddysh
Each of these players had moments, but overall, November wasn’t their strongest stretch. Whether it was defensive lapses, quiet offensive nights, or inconsistent minutes, they’ll be looking to reset heading into December.
➖ No Change
Igor Shesterkin & Jonathan Quick
No surprises here-Igor Shesterkin and Jonathan Quick delivered exactly what you’d expect from a veteran goaltending tandem.
Shesterkin was a workhorse in November, leading the league with 12 starts and making a whopping 304 saves. His 8.26 goals saved above expected (GSAx) ranked 11th in the NHL, a testament to both his skill and the workload he shouldered.
Quick, meanwhile, was stellar in limited action. In just three starts, he faced 10.86 expected goals against (an average of 3.62 per game) and still managed a 4.96 GSAx-good for 17th in the league. He also posted an .871 save percentage on high-danger shots, ranking 10th overall.
At 39 years old, Quick’s play continues to impress, and once he returns from injury, he’s earned more starts. That’ll help balance the load for Shesterkin as the grind of the season continues.
Final Thoughts
November was a mixed bag for the Rangers. The highs-Panarin’s resurgence, Fox and Gavrikov anchoring the blue line, and steady goaltending-show what this team is capable of. But the inconsistencies and lulls in effort, especially from key veterans, continue to hold them back.
The pieces are there. The question heading into December is whether this group can put it all together and start stacking wins. Because if they do, the Rangers won’t just be fighting for a playoff spot-they’ll be a team nobody wants to face.