Greetings and salutations everyone and welcome to another blog here on BlueCollarBlueShirts.com. Twenty games played, sixty-two to go – and what other twists, turns, highs and lows will we experience this season?
Off puck drop tonight – then yes – this is your annual BlueCollarBlueshirts.com New York Rangers Progress Report Card blog – and where all of the grades and summaries of these markings will be our main event segment of this particular and routine ten-thousand-word manifesto.
Before getting to that, then some cleaning and catching up, because as noted earlier, and as I did all-of-last week, then I attended Sunday night’s match at M$G – and where of course – the Rangers were unable to win on home ice again, thus embarrassing their home loss record to a pathetic 1-7-1.
(I also have seventy pictures for you from the game below – and of course – shots from Jonathan Quick’s in-game – and post-game – heroics.)
At this time, let’s just cover everything that I have yet to get into – and in a chronological matter.
And in case you missed it, then here’s where I last left off – the Rangers’ 2-1 shootout win in Columbus:
Immediately after the Rangers’ victory in THE OHIO STATE on Saturday night, the team then hit the airport for a return flight home.
When they woke up on Sunday morning, two things were going on:
One, Larry Brooks was being put to rest in Westchester.
Two, bench boss Mike Sullivan was (and still is) dealing with a family matter.
First things first – the internment of Brooks.
According to fellow writer/author Matthew Blittner, then the scribe, when contributing to Stan Fischler’s daily TheHockeyNews.com column, wrote that several members of the Rangers’ alumni were in-attendance, including Dave Maloney, Adam Graves and Henrik Lundqvist.
While both Maloney and Lundqvist later appeared on M$GN airwaves that Sunday night (and the same goes for John Giannone as well, as he was also at the service), Brooks’ peers, Wince Mercogliano and Mollie Walker, who also attended the service, did not cover the Rangers/Wings game.
Both Colin Stephenson (Newsday) and Peter Baugh (The Athletic) also went to Brooks’ morning service, then continued their somber Sunday at M$G by covering New York vs. Detroit.
Other reporters/writers at the service included Rick Carpiniello, Arthur Staple, Katie Strang, Mark Everson, Allan Krewda and former NYP hockey scribe, one formerly thought to be the successor to Brooks long before Walker ever came around, Brett “Bite Me Dan Boyle” Crygalis.
Larry’s son, Jordan Brooks, was reported as giving a passionate eulogy about his now deceased father – and a well-received eulogy at that.
Jordan has also been extremely thankful to everyone who has posted their testimonials about his dad – and I’m sure that he was also touched when the Rangers/M$G built a memorial/shrine to Larry at his usual spot in the press box – and as they did on Sunday night.
(It’s just too bad that Brooks wasn’t around to give us his thoughts on that mess of a match!)
Again, RIP Larry Brooks – and not only will we all be sad without him around – but the beat will never be the same again – and that’s not a good thing.
As Brooks was being put to eternal rest (sorry for this bad segue-way – but it is what it is), then the Rangers announced two things – and where following their public postings on social media – then it was David Quinn who had to answer all of questions that were asked afterwards.
In the on-ice department, then it was announced that Gabe Perreault, where the Rangers were 3-0 with him on the roster, had been returned to Hartford.
As a result, and Scott Morrow, and due to a day-to-day injury sustained by Big Billy Borgen, was recalled from the Wolf Pack.
In the off-the-ice department, then it was announced that Mike Sullivan wouldn’t be around for Rangers/Wings – as he had to “handle a personal matter.”
While I’ll have some quick thoughts about the Original Six match-up that I witnessed on Sunday night (and a photo gallery included below too); but for now, let’s just fast-forward to Quinn’s post-game remarks, statements which took place after the 2-1 loss:
While Quinn’s return to the Rangers’ podium felt surreal – then I also don’t think that this was the “same old DQ” either.
For starters, then not once was the word “SWAGGER” ever brought up.
And take this for what you want – but he didn’t really seem too angry or upset about the loss – nor how the Blueshirts blew another game following another amazing goalie performance in their own net.
Had this still been Quinn’s team?
Then it’s just my opinion that he would’ve been a bit more irked and irate – and where really – and perhaps like this team itself – and he kind of sounded like he was talking about a preseason game.
I jumped to DQ’s post-game remarks because he did answer some questions – while also creating others.
When it comes to Sullivan’s whereabouts, then DQ just hinted that it was a family matter – and where of course – then your mind leads you to about the health of one of Sully’s immediate family members.
It wasn’t confirmed whether Sully will be with the team on their upcoming mountain road-trip (Vegas, Colorado and Utah) or not – and a three-game roadie that commences this Tuesday night (11/18) in Sin City.
Obviously, then whatever Sullivan is going through right now is bigger than hockey and we all wish him the best.
From a hockey side of things, then DQ, aside from the loss to Detroit, talked about the Perreault/Morrow tradeoff.
DQ, while not really focusing on Borgen’s injury, nor the upcoming road-trip either, pretty much said that Perreault’s call-up was all about giving him a “developmental” twirl in the big-time.
DQ also added that it’s always going to be the franchise’s intentions (at least for now) to have Perreault play top-six minutes – and where as a result – it’s not going to be easy (due to the fact that he’s also playing against fellow NHL top-sixers/lines/d-pairs).
You can check out my Tweeter machine for the evidence (https://x.com/NYCTheMiC ), but I wasn’t a fan of this transaction.
Granted, while the Rangers may have needed an insurance/depth defenseman for their road-trip – but if that was the case, then they could’ve made this move following their game against Detroit.
It was also my opinion that the Blueshirts were going to enter their Original Six contest a little bit gassed/banged up – so with Perreault’s youthful legs in the line-up – then I thought that he could’ve given them an extra spark too.
But at the end of the day – the Rangers shouldn’t need to rely on a rookie – nor did they have any back-to-back excuses for this no-show either – as after all, their opponent on Sunday, the Red Wings, had also played the night before – and in overtime to boot – a crushing 5-4 loss to the lowly Buffalo Sabres.
(Holy Dashes and Morse Code Batman!)
At this time, some quick words on one of the most offensively anemic and slowest games that I’ve ever seen in-person – and that’s coming from a guy who’s probably seen something like 750 games from an arena seat.
Aside from accompanying my nine-year-old niece to her first ever hockey game, then when it came to the Rangers – and I was nervous.
(And too bad that my niece didn’t get to see that 4-3 first period against Tampa – an offensive explosion that will turn any potential fan into a big time hockey fan – as that match was a perfect game to introduce any aspiring fan to.)
The Rangers never had any oomph or will to win on Sunday night – that is – sans their goalie.
And to a lesser extent, Mika Zibanejad too.
We all know that I’m not exactly Zibanejad’s biggest fan – and toss away his “Lone Ranger” goal scored too – and he seemed like he was the only FAT CAT with any interest at all when playing defense.
All over the ice, and for a sixty-minute duration at that – then all I saw was the #93 baby blue jersey flying around all over the place (in a good way) – and while he did have some tired legs at times – it was also because he was working-and-hustling to loose pucks all-game.
Elsewhere – and I can’t say the same about NDArtemi Panarin, Alexis Lafreniere, J.T. Miller and others – including from both sides of the FAT CAT and bottom-six variety – that is, except for who else – SAM “I DAM AM” Carrick.
As I was watching the eventual 2-1 loss in real-time, then I just thought that the Blueshirts were tired and beat-up after a very physical win in Columbus the night before.
But as my dear-old dad seated beside me said, “you can’t feel bad for millionaires – and how can you forget that Detroit played last night too?”
And he was right – and on both accounts.
Elsewhere, and you had the Rangers’ home futility record to think about too.
As a result of this defeat, they’re now 1-7-1 on home ice – and a record that includes being shutout five separate times, while only scoring multiple goals on two of the nine occasions.
Another thing to think about was not only the fact that the Red Wings had suffered an embarrassing loss the night before (they blew a three-goal lead to Buffalo), but with the Blueshirts’ own loss, and the Rangers also blew a chance to win their fourth consecutive game – which had that been the case, then it would’ve been their season-high.
As the game was going along, then as the first period soon became the final minutes of the third period – then all you could do was hope for at least a point in the standings – and had the Rangers pushed this to overtime – then it would’ve been solely because of Jonathan Quick, now in his second act as an elite back-up goalie – and a #32 who recorded a grand total of forty saves – and where I’d reckon that about half of them were of the high-danger variety.
And did I mention that he also made fifteen saves while short-handed – which also meant that 37.5% of his stops were when the Rangers were a man down?
(And the lone Detroit power-play goal? And you could’ve argued that goalie interference had taken place – but these refs, including Kelly Sutherland, were not investigated by the FBI for gambling afterwards.)
In the opposing net was one of my favorite goalies of all-time, the 2014 Stanley Cup Finalist and the man who helped lead the Rangers to their 2015 Presidents’ Trophy, Cam Talbot.
When it was all said and done?
Then at least I saw my favorite goalie pick up a win – but it’s not like he had to do much either (18 easy saves on 19 shots).
While it’s my belief that the officials were god-awful (the Rangers only drew two penalties, the Red Wings five – and including one phantom holding penalty assessed to Carrick – and a call that I heard made TV Dave Maloney revert to his all-star radio version of himself), but it’s not like the Rangers ever pressed the issue either.
They were out-shot 9-6 in the first period, nearly 2:1 in the second period by a 19-10 difference, and come the do-or-die third period, were grossly out-shot 14-3.
Alex Debrincat and Mika Zibanejad traded power-play goals in the second period and because of Quick, this allowed the Rangers a chance to steal a point – and a win too.
However, and where to be fair, then you can say that “Detroit deserved to win” too – then it was Lucas Raymond, with only 3:47 remaining in regulation time, that scored the game-winner – a 2-1 goal – and the end result of another long Wings’ attack in the Rangers’ zone.
Yeah, the Blueshirts were beat-up – but again – that’s no excuse.
And while this is more coincidental than damning/a true sign of anything – then as a result of another home loss, and during another centennial ceremony too (Original Six – 1942-1967 – and where from my pictures included below, you’ll see that the Rangers honored Rod Gilbert, Chuck Rayner, Andy Bathgate, Harry Howell and Gump Worsley) – and the Blueshirts are now 0-4 in their new jerseys.
But hey, at least they lose in style now!
At this time, some pictures from the game – as not only do I like sharing them with you – but moving forward – then I can re-use some of these pictures for future blogs!
And without further ado – this year’s Quarter-Pole Progress Report Card.
Before giving you the usual preamble, then I do want to say that these grades would’ve been far worse had I given them out a week ago – and far worse than that had it been just two-weeks ago!
As noted up top – then I still don’t know what to expect with the Rangers on a game-by-game basis anymore (and I say that as someone who has always felt that he had a real grip on the team) – but as I said going into the season, during this season and as I’ll say one more time here – and I don’t see them as a playoff team.
And while who knows – maybe they will finish above the playoff cut-line – but I just can’t see them going far in the annual Stanley Cup postseason tournament either.
There are just too many unanswered questions – and where not only is Panarin’s future still up-in-the-air (as noted/opined several times over – then I see him landing in Florida by the trade deadline), but you also have to wonder about how he’s going to hold up as well.
After all, about 99% of his points are either secondary assists or because of a multi-point explosion against one singular opponent – as he’s not been consistent – which sans a few – is something that you can say about everyone else too.
The Rangers, now at the quarter-mark of the season, are 10-8-2 (1-7-1 at home, a road warrior 9-1-1 away from M$G), which is good for sixth-best in the Metro.
They’ve also played two more games than over half of their competition in the Eastern Conference too – which in turn – means that you can’t really get too crazy about the standings just yet.
(I should also note that with 22-points, they’re five back from the conference leading Devils – and only four points above the worst team in the conference, the Sabres. This just tells you what a state of parity this league has become.)
That said?
And the annual Thanksgiving tent-pole, which is normally the first time during the NHL calendar when you first truly take an interest in the standings, is only ten-days away.
(But with all of the parity? Then perhaps the new-and-first tent-pole should be New Years’ Day.)
If there’s anything else that I’d like to add before going into our main event segment of this manifesto, then it’s because of their record, both away and home, where I feel that a lot of the positivity – and negativity too – is equally shared.
If there’s anything consistent about this team, then it’s when they rise, then they all rise.
And despite the multiple times when the bottom-six and six-figured salaried guys are lifting them (and of course – the goalies too) – but the in-game stuff is largely similar – as sans a handful of games – and team defense has been their biggest strength – and the focus of most of their matches too.
That’s also why we don’t have all of the sexy scoring and piled-up point totals this time around – and as we’ve had ever since Gerard Gallant rolled into town.
(And to be fair, then David Quinn had a good 2019-20 season – but then COVID happened – and the less said about that 56-game 2021 “Murphy’s Law” season, the better.)
Before doling out the grades, let me give you the usual criteria that I use whenever I do these report cards:
— Grades are given out based on production, playing to their role on the team and to the contract of a player.
For example, I expect less from a fourth line and six-figure salaried player, such as a Sam Carrick or Jonny Brodzinski.
On the other hand, I expect a lot out of a first line player and/or a high-priced player like an Artemi Panarin or Mika Zibanejad.
After all, we are playing in a salary-cap world, where teams are constantly giving up quality players, even players they drafted, in order to compete.
— To ignore the salary-cap hit of a player would be foolish, which is why they are considered and factored into these grades.
Keep in mind, to me, a player’s salary-cap hit is a stat that belongs on the back of a hockey card.
When it comes to building NHL rosters, general managers look at cap hits first. They aren’t worried about Corsi’s or whatever other nerd stat that Sieve Vagistat has pulled out of his five-hole this week.
In addition, and more times than not during this present era, then you don’t see as many pure “hockey trades” when compared to bygone eras. Instead, you see more “salary-cap dump trades” than anything else. (To paraphrase Larry Brooks, then “I. Miss. Chris.”)
— Players who have played ten or less games with the team, players who have been traded, players who have been injured, and players who were sent down to Hartford, are all listed in the “Incomplete” section.
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly above all else – these grades are just my opinions only.
In other words – don’t get bent out of shape over them!
This is just my way of assessing the current roster at this moment in the season.
And if any grade is truly egregious, then I’m sure that you will let me know!
FORWARDS
Sam Carrick
GRADE: A+
Just like last year, and Carrick’s contract remains the most team-friendly ($1M annually).
The reliable fourth-line center, and despite having a slew of different flanks around him this season (and especially after injuries sustained by both opening night starters, Adam Edstrom and Matt Rempe), continues to contribute in areas where others refuse to do – or can’t do.
Carrick presently leads the team in penalty minutes, but where of his 17 PIM, then 15 of them are because of five-minute fighting majors – and where as a result – his three fights lead the team too.
(The other two-minutes of PIM? That phantom penalty against Detroit.)
As noted in my NYR/CBJ review, then while Carrick’s fight card doesn’t read as 3-0 – but the Rangers are 3-0 this season whenever he drops the gloves.
While #39 isn’t here for his scoring, but he has posted a respectable line of one goal and four assists (5-points) – and where his point total ranks him eighth-overall.
Carrick is also batting over .500 at the circles (50.9%) – and after years of watching the Rangers getting dominated at the dot – and it’s nice to have centermen who can win draws again.
There’s a reason why his teammates gave him the “Players’ Player Award” last season – and as of now – the reigning-and-defending champion is currently in the running for his second straight win.
Will Cuylle
GRADE: B
Cuylle, a huge fan-favorite, re-signed for two more years on July 1st, and where as a result, he’s now earning $3.9M per-season.
By his own admission, then #50 was ill-and-ailing to start the season – and it showed.
However, and ever since returning to full-health, while being promoted to the team’s first power-play unit too (where in turn, Lafreniere was demoted as a result) – and the CUYLLE HAND LUKE that we all knew had returned.
Cuylle, who already has a team-high 72 hits (and a healthy lead over second-place J.T. Miller, who has 50 hits), had the team-lead in goals (6) until Zibanejad scored his seventh in game twenty.
Half of his goals have come from the power-play too – and two since the recent Cuylle/Lafreniere flip-flop.
His eleven-points rank Cuylle fifth-best overall, but he also has the second-worst plus/minus rating on the team (-4) – and a figure that he shares with his sometime linemate, Alexis Lafreniere.
At 23-years-old, then I don’t think that Cuylle has even sniffed his prime-years yet – and now that he’s healthy – and on the first power-play quintet too – then I predict that his grade will improve by not only the half-way mark of the season – but during our annual Final Report Card too.
Adam Edstrom
GRADE: B-
I probably would’ve removed the minus from this grade had I given it a week ago – but Edstrom, and while these miscues haven’t burnt him yet, has coughed up the puck a lot in recent matches.
For the second-year 25-year-old, “The Swedish Condor” (as Maloney refers to him as), hasn’t scored a goal yet, and has only two assists throughout eighteen games played.
Obviously, and despite his fourth-line role status, then you’d like to see more pop for a guy who can puck a punch at 6’8″ – and as his team fourth-best 38 hits would attest to as well.
Like many of the newer-and-younger Rangers, then we still haven’t seen Edstrom hit his peak yet, but where you hope to immediately see a crooked number attached to his current zero percent shooting percentage (0-14).
Noah Laba
GRADE: A
Why not an A+ for the Rangers’ rookie sensation?
Easy – because I hope to see him exceed what he’s doing now – and I don’t want to give him nowhere but down to go to either!
Laba leads all Blueshirt forwards in the almighty plus/minus statistic (+4) and has a team fifth-best three goals to go along with his three assists.
Similar to Carrick having many different wingers this season and the same can be said about Laba as well – including when he was promoted to the top-six two-weeks after Trocheck went down.
Laba, with a 73-82 record at the dots this year (47.1%), has respectable numbers for a 22-year-old kid playing against men.
Most impressive about the new #42 in town?
The fact that he embraces the all-too-important “north-south” game more than anyone else – as all of his goals are the end results of crashing the net.
There have been many games this season where the Rangers have looked listless – and where usually – Laba, among a few others (the goalies, top d-pair and Carrick), has been part of the exception.
The sky’s the limit – but I don’t want to get too over my head about Laba here either – as after all – we’ve seen this before.
Can Laba become the exception to this too?
Time will tell.
Alexis Lafreniere
GRADE: D
This grade would have hit “F” levels a week ago – but then Trocheck returned.
Since #16 was returned four games ago to his spot on the team’s second line, and where he was rejoined by his usual flanks of Panarin and Lafreniere – and this line has exploded twice – one game for a total of eight-points, and another for a total of seven-points.
But they’ve been blanked too – and just as we saw last game against Detroit – and in the match before that – against Columbus.
Due to the total of fifteen points that this returned line scored (8 against the Predators on 11/10, 7 against Tampa on 11/12) – and Lafreniere’s scoring numbers, and just like Panarin’s, got an artificial boost.
Presently, Lafreniere’s plus/minus total is second-worst on the team (-4) and where only Mika (-9) has fared worse.
Through twenty games and Lafreniere has scored four goals while chipping in eight assists – but where another lengthy scoring drought of ten or more games in his career also took place following the team’s second game of this season.
We all know about Lafreniere’s contract extension – and how he’s now earning $7.1M per-season.
These scoring numbers need to improve – but of course – and this statement isn’t exclusive to him either.
While this doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things, but seeing other first-overall picks in the area, Jack Hughes (Devils, 2019) and Matthew Schaefer (Islanders, 2025) out-playing the top-pick of 2020 isn’t going to help matters either – or at least in the eyes of Ranger fans.
Simply put – and Lafreniere has to be consistent – and now at 24-years-old and earning the big bucks – then it’s time for him to not only score – but carry the team when required too.
J.T. Miller
GRADE: C-
While it’s been my contention all-season that Miller is “pulling a Kevin Shattenkirk,” which is to mean that he’s playing through an injury and doesn’t want to sit-out/rest due to his new role; but Miller has not been a game-changer at all.
Sure, he has a bunch of overtime heroics (a game-winning goal, a game-winning assist and a game-winning shootout goal) – and that’s great for the Rangers in the regular season – but there are no gimmick competitions when the games matter most – the playoffs.
I won’t give you my 79856798678798679867986798698th rant on why the Rangers should’ve landed Miller two-years ago – and when they didn’t, at the 2024 trade deadline too – but yeah – after scoring 103-points for the Canucks in the 2023-24 season – and Miller only has four goals and five assists this far – aka, a grand total of nine points through twenty games.
While you’d like to hope and expect these scoring totals for your $8.5M center/captain to improve, but should these numbers stay as such, then that means that Miller will have finished with a 16 goal, 20 assist and 36-point season – a far cry from his prime years.
Miller’s minus three rating is third-worst on the team, but his 58% success rate at the circle (192-139) is the team’s high.
I don’t know if it’s just me, but after never-ending losses on home ice – and Miller’s post-game interviews have become patronizing, plain, and at times – somewhat insulting.
It’s okay to get blanked once in a while – but where’s the fire after the second, third, fourth and fifth times?
The Rangers have a lot of money invested in players that have previously shown us that they can score – but we’re not really seeing any of that right now – and as a result – and it’s cost them at least fifteen points in the standings.
You might not think that’s a big deal right now – but come revisit this point with me come April of ’26.
Artemi Panarin
GRADE: D+
We all know how I feel about NDA Panarin this season – but if we’re all able to forget about his alleged sexual assault and confirmed NDA – then this 2025-26 season, the last of his current seven-year deal, is shaping up to be the worst for the greatest free agent signing in franchise history.
Thankfully for “The Breadman?”
(But not for the Rangers – that is – unless they flip him for pieces prior to the deadline!)
Then not only is Panarin most likely the biggest name to be had at this year’s trade deadline (due to all of the recent re-signings elsewhere in the league) – but he’s even likelier to become the biggest name of the free agency Class of ’26.
And trust me – his agent knows all of this too!
While who knows if the Russian and the Rangers’ GM/TP Chris Drury will find an accord before these two important times on the calendar (the deadline and free agency); but if you’re the ZOOM ZOOM general manager – then are you really going to give Panarin a long-term contract that not only matches what he’s currently getting – but with a reported sought raise included too?
Yes, Panarin’s 18-points leads the team, while his 13-assists has him tied with Adam Fox.
But as noted earlier – then a lot of his scoring has taken place during singular multi-goal explosion games – and during the times when the Rangers eke out one-goal wins or losses – and it’s usually a secondary ho-hum assist that’s added to Panarin’s ledger.
Suffice to say – and the team’s highest-paid player isn’t carrying the team at all this season – and as he has done many times before.
Panarin’s shooting percentage, with five goals to his name, is currently at 8.3% – twelfth-overall on a team where at $11.6M per-season earned – then this number has to be in double-digits – and where it has always been for him.
Case in point?
In his near seven-years with the Rangers, then Panarin has shot at 14.7% – a shade above his eleven-year career average of 14.5%.
His worst shooting percentage took place all the way back to the 2017-18 season – when he shot 11.8% for a defense happy John Tortorella Columbus Blue Jacket team.
More food for thought?
Then in 2023-24, Panarin shot at 16.2%, while during one of the worst seasons in franchise history, the 2024-25 campaign, and Panarin shot at 15.6%.
Today, and again, with only twenty games played – and Panarin is pretty much missing the net twice as many times than he has ever did.
And with a grand total of 60 shots on goal (second-highest on the team – Mika has 66) – then don’t you think that the Rangers would have a lot more wins right now had Panarin been averaging his career numbers this season?
Simply put – and the bread has gone moldy – and he can shave his head all that he wants too – but that hasn’t helped him in important home games against the Islanders and Detroit.
And if Panarin can return to form between now and the deadline?
Then Drury’s decision about Panarin’s future could ultimately wind up as the biggest choice that the GM will ever have to make.
Juuso Parssinen
GRADE: C
No offense to the Finn – but as said going into the season, and as I’ll repeat once more here – then I don’t know why he’s even here.
A reclamation project in the truest sense – then don’t you think that there is someone in Hartford that would serve more of a purpose than the soon-to-be 25-year-old?
In his twelve games played thus far in Sully’s bottom-six, and Parssinen has just two goals and an assist.
And unlike the other bottom-sixers who have all had their moments at some point this year?
Then Parssinen hasn’t really been that noticeable – much less positively impact (swing) any game either.
Parssinen has played at both the wing and center positions this season, so I guess that he’s multi-faceted – so I’ll give him that.
It’s just my belief that there are better options to explore – and for all the talk about both Conor Sheary and Taylor Raddysh being retreads and future one-and-done Rangers – then at least you’ve noticed them this season – and in several games too.
Taylor Raddysh
GRADE: B-
Prior to last week, and due to a hat trick (in a 6-5 overtime loss to the Sharks) and Raddysh, who remains with five goals to his name, was the team-leader in goals scored.
Like the two other names sandwiched in-between him alphabetically here – and I don’t really seeing Raddysh having much of a future with the Rangers – but at the same time – and I can’t say that he’s been bad or anything like that.
He’s just there.
Raddysh, currently third-overall in goals scored, only has one assist, and with a total of six-points, he’s ninth-overall.
But I guess these are respectable numbers for a bottom-sixer – but again, wouldn’t you rather see what the likes of Chmelar, Berard, or heck, even Othmann too, could do with a similar opportunity?
Then again, it should be stated that Drury views his team as “WIN-NOW” – and not “REBUILDING” as I do.
Conor Sheary
GRADE: C+
Sheary perhaps receives more “Wrangers’ Wrath” from the fan base than anybody else on the team.
At 33-years-old, the former Sully charge (Penguins) is the fourth-oldest Ranger – as only Quick (40), Panarin (34) and Carrick (four months older) have been on this planet longer.
Again, we go back to “WIN NOW v. REBUILD” – and where once more – Drury thinks it’s the former.
Perhaps adding to some of the derision surrounding Sheary is that he’s somewhat related to Sullivan – as Sheary married Jordan Sullivan in August of 2018 – the niece of the head coach.
Whether Sheary is getting favorable treatment or not can be debated – as for whatever reason – he has played a lot of games in the team’s top-six – and let’s not forget – he entered camp on a PTO – and not with a guaranteed contract.
A proverbial gun to your head – and how many players throughout recent NHL history can you name that started camp on a try-out deal – then made it to their team’s top-six in no less than ten games played?
Granted, while injuries (most notably Trocheck) forced Sully’s hand – but in my opinion – then we should’ve seen Gabe Perreault promoted then – and not some three-weeks later.
Sheary has five assists this season.
He’s still seeking his first goal.
Raddysh and Sheary could – and should be – excellent depth pieces for a Cup contender.
I just don’t view the Rangers in that manner.
Mika Zibanejad
GRADE: B-
Two weeks ago and this grade would’ve been D.
Three weeks ago and this grade would’ve been an F.
And a month ago?
F-!
So why the jump?
Despite the fact that I’d still trade Zibanejad tomorrow (it’s my belief that he has the worst contract in the NHL today) – and he really has been the best of the FAT CATS.
However, he still remains as polarizing as ever.
Presently, and Mika leads the team in goals (7) and also leads the team in power-play goals (4) and short-handed goals (1 – tied with Raddysh).
This also means that of Zibanejad’s seven goals – and only two of them have been scored while at five-vs-five – as Mika’s even-strength scoring continues to decrease as he gets older.
I bring this up because these numbers also explain his team-low minus-9 stat – and where after many seasons of looking like a Selke contender – those days now seem like ages ago.
Toss away all of these numbers for a second.
Yes, while Mika does need to put up the points at $8.5M per-season – but what’s most impressed me this season about him is his dedication to defense.
I know that minus-nine looks bad – but keep in mind – and the Rangers have been shutout at home five times, while also having two matches at M$G where they only scored one goal a piece.
Suffice to say, and with the lack of goals – and Minus Mika’s numbers won’t look good.
Countless times (and I do think that you see this more in-person than opposed to television) and there is Mika hustling and making defensive plays.
While he’s always prone to giving up an odd-man rush (more times than not – after missing the net on one of his faulty one-timers), but I can’t accuse him of taking multiple games off at a time – and moping around non-stop too – and as he did last season.
At least not yet!
See – I am firm but fair – and I will tell you the truth – and even if it shatters my own negative narratives – including when I told you a few games ago (Tampa) when he jumped into a line-brawl – and after dancing around like a ballerina against the Devils during a similar situation last season.
It’s also my belief that Trocheck’s return has given Mika a boost too.
But unlike Panarin, Miller and Lafreniere – and there have been plenty of games this season where Mika has carried the offensive load – and where also unlike Panarin – and Mika is featured on the team’s penalty killing units too.
DEFENSEMEN
Will Borgen
GRADE: B-
Much has been said about the contract extension (five-years/$20.5M which equates to $4.1M annually) that Drury gave his d-man after trading away Kaapo Kakko for him (Seattle) – but I think that this pact has worked out thus far.
Then again, Borgen, at 29-years-old, is one year away from turning thirty – which is the age when most people feel that defensemen, and especially physical ones like Borgen, begin to decline – if not drastically drop-off.
In a second-pair role and Borgen has been solid.
While perhaps you’d like to see more blocked shots (22, fourth-overall) and hits (24, tenth-overall) out of him, he also doesn’t allow much either – and as his second-best on the team plus/minus rating (+4 and shared with who else – his regular partner Carson Soucy) attests to.
Borgen, a prototypical old-school rearguard as opposed to the offensive-defensemen that pepper the league today, has one goal and two assists – or the same three-points that Parssinen has.
As the old saying goes, then if you don’t talk about a defensive-defenseman that much, then that means that he’s doing his job – and a good job at that.
Borgen has done just that thus far.
Adam Fox
GRADE: A
It feels like the 2021 Norris Trophy winner heard all of the summer slander slung out there about him – and then took it personally this season.
While I do believe you can make a point about his Norris victory being a tad fugazi (56-game season against the same seven teams), and while I won’t argue with you if you believe that Fox isn’t a top-ten d-man in the league today – but without question – and he’s been the greatest Ranger skater on the ice this season.
And there’s no ifs, ands, or buts about that.
We all know what Fox can do offensively – and as his team-high 13 assists and second-best 16-points will tell you.
Now at 27-years-old and Fox is doing everything else too – including starring on both the team’s top power-play and penalty killing units – and as he’s done for some time now.
After battling two-years of knee injuries and Fox is presently leading all Rangers in TOI (484:22) and where only his partner, Gavrikov, trails him with the second most amount of minutes played (457:36).
Want more?
Here you go:
Fox is also the team leader in blocks (32) and takeaways (14).
While you’d like to see more goals out of #23 (three overall, including one game where he scored two), then that’s really the only criticism of him.
Fox is easily earning his $9.5M annual salary – and where all of the low scoring games, win-or-lose, proves to us.
So is his partner.
Vladislav Gavrikov
GRADE: A
Gavrikov, the man who took millions less to play in New York (seven-years/$49M – or $7M annually) this summer, has been thriving in his new home.
He’s easily the best defensive d-man on the team – and as his team-high plus/minus rating of +6 will tell you.
Surprisingly enough and the new #44 in Rangerstown, USA, not really known much for his offense, has chipped in two goals, while also assisting on four other scores too, for a grand total of six-points.
Akin to his status for playing the second most minutes on the team – and Gavrikov only trails Fox for most blocks too (31).
For many old-time hockey fans, then losing Lindgren hurt.
But Gavrikov has alleviated a lot of that pain – and heck – he’s somewhat made you forget about the former #55 too.
Low scoring games and an attention to defense has somewhat defined the Rangers this year – and along with Fox and the goalies – and Gavrikov is at the center of it.
Matthew Robertson
GRADE: B-
As someone who gets a lot of feedback, while also actively seeking out what others say too – then, and for whatever reason – and I see a lot of people badmouthing Robertson on the regular.
However, I’m not one of these folk.
The story of Robertson is well-known in these parts – as the soon-to-be 25-year-old spent many years in the AHL prior to his first NHL call-up – which took place last season.
As Robertson becomes closer to thirty than twenty come March of 2026 – and it was about high-time the Rangers allowed him to sink or swim.
While he’s not setting records at Olympic pools – he’s also not sunk to the bottom either.
Accepting orders from this new administration behind the Blueshirts’ bench – and Robertson has paid attention to his defense.
While yeah, he hasn’t been perfect all of the time – but who is – and mind you – what rookie ever is?
(And much of the criticism surrounding Robertson is immediately directed to his eight giveaways – and of course – his zero takeaways too.)
In eleven games played and Robertson has one goal to his name – and a minus-3 to his ledger.
Again, I’d look at all of the low-scoring games that the Rangers have played this season – and to a few of their blowout losses as well, as that’s where CZAR IGOR had a stinker or two.
Another reminder – I’m in the REBUILD over WIN NOW camp.
In other words, I’m probably more patient with a sixth/seventh defenseman – and really – it’s not up to Robertson to lift this team either.
He just needs to keep on doing what he’s doing.
Braden Schneider
GRADE: C+
I know what you’re saying right now – “You just said that you don’t think that he’s been as bad as the majority of Ranger fans claim him to be! You hypocrite! You liar!”
However, I said that because if I went by all of the feedback I see and receive, then you’d think that Schneider deserves an F-!
Here’s the deal:
YES, Schneider seems to be regressing a bit – or at the very least – he isn’t as hot as he was when he first came on the scene under Gallant back in January of 2022.
And go figure: Schneider is now on his third head coach in that time.
Under coach number three, and Schneider has been asked to play both sides of the defense, while also like a dime whore, requested to share multiple partners.
Not only has Sullivan rotated his bottom-pair of defensemen partners for Schneider, but very often and #4, while in-game, starts taking shifts with either Soucy or Borgen – the team’s usual second-pair.
That’s a lot to put on the plate of a 24-year-old.
Granted – and Schneider’s numbers aren’t that hot.
Once alleged of having some scoring prowess and Schneider is sitting on one goal and three assists.
And with five takeaways as opposed to his TWENTY giveaways – and I guess that Schneider’s minus-3 rating feels like a relief – while also speaking to the superior goaltending that the Rangers have had thus far.
Schneider, who just hit his 300th career NHL game played this season, has rarely had long stretches where he was paired with same partner.
Perhaps a sense of regularity would make him consistent.
Carson Soucy
GRADE: B
Complain about Soucy’s contract all that you want (he’s on the last year of a three-year/$9,750,000 pact – or an annual salary of $3,250,000), but despite the naysayers – and he’s been good.
I know that many have disregarded the plus/minus stat over the years, but his +4 rating, which ties him with Borgen and Laba, is second-best on the team.
Having missed four games, then in sixteen matches played thus far and Soucy has also chipped in a goal and two assists.
While at 31-years-old and on the last year of his deal, he’s most likely done with the organization after this season – but he’s been more than serviceable thus far.
If there’s anything that I’d like to see out of him, then it’s more hits – but then again – the Rangers have done a good job of controlling zone time this season (which as a result, means that hitting numbers will be low).
They just don’t score goals!
But put it this way:
Soucy’s 26 hits are ninth-overall on the team. Even Zibanejad, with 28 hits, has more.
Then again, Soucy has absolutely rocked opponents when getting the opportunity – and as B. Hagel in Tampa can tell you all about!
Urho Vaakanainen
GRADE: C+
For me, then I still don’t see what U.V. really does here – and where I’d rather see Robertson on the regular over him.
The infamous return in the Jacob Trouba trade will soon turn 29-years-old – and is now an off-and-on healthy scratch too.
In fourteen games played thus far and the Finn is still looking to add his first goal scored to his ledger – and a stat line that also includes three assists notched.
But he is a +3 – and despite a 2:9 takeaway to turnover ratio.
GOALIES
Jonathan Quick
GRADE: A+
Igor Shesterkin
GRADE: A-
Just look at the black-and-white numbers on these two – and where both the colorful EYE TEST and ANALytics only sing these numbers even louder.
Without question, and the #31-#32 1-2 punch is the best goalie tandem in all of the league.
While Quick continues to fully skinny dip into the Fountain of Youth, then Igor continues to enjoy his prime years.
For two people who came from two completely different walks in life, then their fire has united them.
After all, how many times have we seen both of these goalies challenge opponents – and not with just their gloves and pads – but with pure acts of physicality too?
Funny stat?
Quick, with 12 PIM, has the fourth most amount of PIM on the team this season – and where of course – his ten-minute misconduct after the loss to Detroit beefed up this number.
That said, and Quick also has a two-minute minor on his record – and just like how CZAR IGOR does – as neither of these two will take any shit!
Due to the difference in salaries and roles on the team, then that’s why I gave Quick the A+ and CZAR IGOR, who admittedly has had a blah game or two thus far (and just like every starting goalie does), the A-.
If there’s one stat that you should overlook when assessing these two goalies, then it’s their win-loss records.
The Rangers don’t score, which means that they don’t win very often, and as a result, these goalies wind up with undeserved losses to their records.
But for as bad as the Blueshirts have been at lighting red lamps this season?
Then, and solely because of the day-in and day-out superhero performances from CZAR IGOR and BIG DICK QUICK – and both goalies presently have winning records – which is truly a testament to this power couple.
INCOMPLETES
Of this final section, then two men are everyday line-up regulars – Vincent Trocheck and Matt Rempe.
Trocheck only played a game-and-a-half before going down with injury.
Once returned, and his line exploded for fifteen total points in two games – but they’ve also been shutout twice too.
Still, he feels like he’s the DNA of this team right now – which is why I thought that he should’ve been named captain this summer instead of his BFF.
Rempe hasn’t played since breaking his thumb in a fight against Ryan Reaves, which took place in the team’s ninth game of the season.
It’s not known yet when he’ll be returned – and where it’s being feared that he might not be back until the Olympic break.
Jonny Brodzinski, the last name here to be a roster regular, is a rotating 12th/13th forward. He has a goal and an assist in nine games played – and where I’d like to see him play more. After all, then on most nights, and you don’t see him take a shift off – and very often – he does give the team some energy.
Of the Wolf Pack forwards, then Brennan Othmann, the once alleged savior of the Blueshirts’ future, has repeatedly bombed-out.
In his one game played this season – he was absolutely terrible – and then quickly returned to Hartford once the team got out of Western Canada.
I don’t know what it is with him, as I don’t watch much of the AHL, but whatever success he’s having in the second-highest league hasn’t translated at all in the top league of North America.
It’s tough to see where he fits in too – and he hasn’t done much to champion his cause either.
I liked what I saw out of Jaroslav Chmelar in his two games played, but with a dedication to retreads, and Sully is going to favor his pair of bottom-six veterans, Sheary and Raddysh, over the hopefully one-day NHL mainstay.
It might not happen for Chmelar this season, but maybe next season – or perhaps after this year’s deadline too.
Gabe Perreault picked up his first NHL point in his first game played this season (a 6-3 blowout win against Nashville – which is also the only time when the Rangers have won at home this year too) – but admittedly – he was quite quiet in his two other games played afterwards.
That said, and I don’t care what Quinn said on Sunday night either – then I would’ve preferred to see him stay in the line-up.
After all, and far too often at that – and the Rangers tease their rookies – and as a result – they are all skating on eggshells.
If Perreault was told, “hey, you got a dozen games to prove yourself,” then maybe it would allow him to relax a bit.
A three-game try-out was disappointing – and where unlike Othmann – you can see that he has NHL talent in him.
Scott Morrow, after a decent showing in the preseason, made his Rangers’ debut in the Sunday night loss to Detroit. Once Borgen is fully healthy, then it’s presumed that he’ll go back to Hartford – and perhaps by the time that you read these words.
I can’t judge a guy based on one game played, but on the second half of a back-to-back, and I was expecting to see more jump out of both Morrow and Brodzinski – as neither had played against Columbus.
Perhaps fatigue and giving up can be contagious.
I usually evaluate the Blueshirts’ brain-trust at this point of any report card, but I’m not going to do so here – and for two reasons.
One, I’ve said everything that I’ve had to say thus far about Drury on this site – and again – about 798678676796798678679867986766767667666 times over.
Two, I don’t think it’s fair to truly grade Sullivan just yet, as he’s trying to install his own culture, systems and structure – and it’s going to take some time to get there.
Plus, he has something going on in his personal life right now, and as a result, then I think that we have to give him a temporary pass.
(I’m just trying to say here that while he stepped away from the team now – but I won’t be shocked to hear that whatever he’s dealing with – then he’s been dealing with it for a while now too.)
Up Next: The final half of the first half of the season – and it begins on Tuesday night in Sin City.
Note: Puck drop is scheduled for 10:08PM EST.
Programming Note: Despite the late start, and I’ll still have a NYR/VGK GAME REVIEW for you tomorrow – as I am a night owl – and better than that – I’m off from work on Tuesday night too!
Thank You For Reading Note: I hope you enjoyed tonight’s annual Quarter-Pole Progress Report Card – and we’ll have our annual Mid-Season Report Card sometime after the fortieth game of the season is played.
And with all that said, your favorite segment and mine…
PLUGS TIME! (Buy a book and support my Rangers’ induced therapy bills. After all, I don’t run ads on this site!)
My fourth title and tenth book is now available!
“The Top 100 Villains of New York Rangers History,” is now available for sale!
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My second plug of tonight’s blog – the mandatory plug for my book, “The New York Rangers Rink of Honor and the Rafters of Madison Square Garden.”
As mentioned previously, the book is now available in hardcover, in paperback and in Kindle formats. To purchase a copy of the book, visit this link:
https://www.amazon.com/Rangers-Rafters-Madison-Square-Garden-ebook/dp/B09CM5N2WD
For those still looking for signed paperback versions of the book, I have re-ordered more copies. I now have a few signed copies for sale at $25 a pop (includes shipping price) through me directly. Here is all the information on that:
Order “The New York Rangers Rink of Honor and the Rafters of Madison Square Garden” Book Today
My four-volume set of books, “One Game at a Time – A Season to Remember,” is a game-by-game recount of the Rangers 2021-22 campaign.
My second title as an author, “One Game at a Time – A Season to Remember,” is now available in eBook, paperback and hardcover formats.
To obtain signed copies, visit: https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/onegamebook/
To purchase all four volumes on Amazon, visit: Amazon.com – “One Game at a Time.”
The greatest volume-set of books on Rangers’ history today!
“Tricks of the Trade – A Century-Long Journey Through Every Trade Made In New York Rangers’ History,” a four-volume set of books that meticulously covers every trade made in franchise history, is now on sale.
All four volumes of the title can be purchased on Amazon.com and are presented in three different formats – eBook, paperback and hardcover.
To purchase Volume I: Conn Smythe (1926) – Craig Patrick (1986), visit Amazon.com
To purchase Volume II: Phil Esposito (1986) – Neil Smith (2000), visit Amazon.com
To purchase Volume III: Glen Sather (2000-2015), visit Amazon.com
To purchase Volume IV: Jeff Gorton (2015) – Chris Drury (2022), visit Amazon.com
To purchase signed copies of all four volumes, visit https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/tricksofthetrade/
If you haven’t already, subscribe to this blog for the next update:
Don’t forget to order my four-volume set of books, “Tricks of the Trade!”
If you don’t order through me, all four volumes are now available on Amazon.com
For more details, check out: https://bluecollarblueshirts.com/tricksofthetrade/
Thanks for reading.
LET’S GO RANGERS!
Sean McCaffrey
BULLSMC@aol.com
