Michael Hapanovich

MichaelHapanovich@THNN

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Rangers fans look away--the numbers from this year's home games are ugly

The New York Rangers are by no means a rebuilding team. They have stars on both ends of the ice, and one of the best goaltenders in the league. However, they just can't find a way to get the job done at home this year. Through seven home games, the Rangers are 0-6-1 and they've been shut out five times--most recently tonight against the Islanders in a 5-0 loss. Something clearly has to change. After firing head coach Peter Laviolette in April, they brought in Mike Sullivan. Sullivan, a two time Stanley Cup champion with the Pittsburgh Penguins, has not lived up to the hype.  Should the Rangers move on from Sullivan, re-shake the roster, both, or neither?9mo

New York Rangers

Artemi Panarin is going bald again--but the move could mean more than you think

Rangers star Artemi Panarin is going bald once again, in the hopes it can help him turn his season around. Through 14 games, Panarin has two goals, five assists and a -5 rating. For someone in a contract year, he certainly isn't playing up to his standard. Going bald might seem like an odd way for Panarin to try and get his mojo back, but it's actually helped once before. Before the 2023-24 season, Panarin decided to shave his head so he could get a "fresh start" and "remove evil energy." He went on to have a career year, posting 49 goals, 71 assists and a +18 rating.  The Rangers are also in desperate need of their top playmaker to step up his game.  They rank dead last in goals for per game with 2.21 and sit at the bottom of the Metropolitan Division. Do you think Panarin's bold move is going to help him find his groove?9mo

New York Rangers

Matthew Robertson scores his first NHL goal at a much needed time

With just under sixteen minutes remaining in the third period and the score tied at two, the Rangers were looking for a way to get on top. It started with J.T Miller's pass in behind the net to Connor Sheary, who nearly lost it in the corner.  Despite two Canadiens defensemen racing for the puck, Sheary was able to get the puck up to Artemi Panarin at the top of the face-off circle. Panarin passed the puck back to Sheary, who immediately sent it back, causing confusion amidst the Canadiens defensemen. Panarin sent the puck to Robertson at the blue line, who with room the shoot, ripped one past Sam Montembeault to give the Rangers a 3-2 lead. The Rangers wound up coming out on top by a final score of 4-3, earning themselves a big win after struggling to develop a strong offensive presence in their first few games. Tonight was the sixth career game for Robertson, who was drafted 49th overall by the Rangers in 2019. He spent the last four seasons with the Hartford Wolf Pack (AHL).10mo

New York Rangers

Should the Rangers re-sign Artemi Panarin?

The direction of the Rangers is something that's yet to be decided, but the team's slow start to the season raises questions about star left winger Artemi Panarin's future with the team. Panarin, who's entering the final year of his 7-year, $81.5 million contract extension, is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of this year. Since joining the Rangers in 2019, Panarin has been a major contributor, leading the team in scoring every season. However, he's off to his worst start since joining the club. Through six games, he's recorded no goals, two assists and a minus three rating. He's also entering his age 34 season, and it wouldn't be surprising to see a decline in the near future. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported the Rangers "went to him and said, would you be willing to take a Kopitar kind of deal, and the answer was no."   Kopitar took a pay cut this offseason. Friedman also reported his camp could be "swinging" for a home run contract. Should the Rangers attempt to re-sign Panarin?10mo

New York Rangers

Will Igor Shesterkin rejoin Vezina conversations this season?

The 2024 season was one to forget for the New York Rangers, as they finished with just 85 points, and failed to make the playoffs.  It was also forgettable for their star goaltender Igor Shesterkin, who had arguably the worst year of his career. He finished with a 27-29-1 record and .905 save percentage, the lowest of his career. While the win-loss record isn't fully on Shesterkin, his play was noticeably a step back from previous years. However, he's off to a promising start this year. After allowing just one goal to the Penguins in the Rangers season opener, he posted an incredible 37 save shutout against the Sabres on Oct. 9. Do you think a bounce back season is in store for Shesterkin?10mo

New York Rangers