Whether you’re an optimist or a pessimist, the New York Rangers have a huge challenge ahead of them on Tuesday. They’ll be hosting the League-leading Winnipeg Jets, which could be seen as either perfect timing or unfortunate timing, depending on your perspective.
The Rangers (9-3-1) had a strong start to the season, achieving a franchise-best six-game point streak (5-0-1), but have recently lost some momentum. Their recent 4-3-0 record highlights excellent goaltending, effective special teams, and a few well-timed goals. However, they’ve also been frequently outperformed in terms of effort, pace, scoring chances, and overall play.
That isn’t the ideal setup going into a game against the Jets, who set an NHL record with 14 wins in their first 15 games. The Jets began with an eight-game winning streak, lost to the Maple Leafs on Oct. 28, and then bounced back with six straight wins, including a 4-1 victory over the Stars.
The Jets are currently leading the League in both goals per game (4.47) and goals-against average (2.07). They also hold the top power play percentage at an impressive 41.9 percent and boast a League-best goal differential of +36.
They just wrapped up a perfect 3-0-0 homestand and are 8-1-0 at home. On the road, they’re also undefeated at 6-0-0, which will soon be put to the test as they begin a tough three-game road trip against the Rangers, Lightning, and Panthers. Of their next 10 games through December 1, nine will be on the road.
While their analytics are solid rather than exceptional, two aspects have been crucial in their success beyond their blistering power play: Connor Hellebuyck’s standout performance (11-1-0, 1.83 goals-against average, .935 save percentage, three shutouts) and their defensemen, who have scored more goals and accumulated more points than any other defense corps in the NHL.
These factors have been key contributors to the Jets’ historic start.
This could be good or bad time for Rangers to play Jets
The Jets are currently dominating the NHL, while the Rangers have shown some vulnerability lately. This raises an interesting question: is now a good or bad time for the Rangers to face off against the Jets?
The immediate answer might be that it’s a terrible time. The Rangers have struggled against weaker teams like the Buffalo Sabres, Ottawa Senators (despite a 2-1 win), and Washington Capitals, and their recent 4-0 victory over the Detroit Red Wings didn’t exactly inspire confidence. If they’re having issues with those teams, what might happen against the red-hot Jets on Tuesday?
It’s a fair concern. Scoring quickly against the NHL’s top goaltender is a tall order. To succeed, the Rangers will need a more patient approach, controlling the pace and winning puck battles in the offensive zone. Unfortunately, consistency in that style has eluded them recently.
Then there’s Connor Hellebuyck, who has allowed just one goal over his last three games. While Igor Shesterkin aspires to be the highest-paid goalie, right now, Hellebuyck is proving he’s the best. Plus, the Jets’ active defense could expose the Rangers’ weaknesses in the neutral zone and defensive end—areas that have already troubled them.
Adding to the challenge is the Rangers’ shaky confidence, while the Jets are playing with swagger.
On the other hand, this matchup could be a wake-up call for the Rangers. They know they’ve underperformed but believe they’re as talented, if not more, than the Jets. Seeing how the Sabres scored six against them, the Rangers realize the Jets could make it an even rougher game on Tuesday.
If ever there was a time for the Rangers to focus on details, win puck battles, and start strong, it’s now against the league’s top team. Shesterkin, a fierce competitor, has had four days since the Sabres game and rarely puts up back-to-back subpar performances. He’s been their best player all season, securing wins and valuable points in the standings.
If the Rangers are going to break out of this slump, this is the game to do it.
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