The New York Rangers are gaining traction as a strong contender to bounce back from a difficult season and make it to the Stanley Cup Playoffs in the 2025-26 season. Despite not being seen as significant championship favorites, there’s a prevailing sense that the team is well-positioned to secure a playoff spot, provided they overcome any lingering internal and external dysfunctions.
A key element in this turnaround could be the influence of head coach Mike Sullivan, known for his no-nonsense approach. The Sportsnet hockey team in Canada recently expressed confidence that the Rangers could be one of the teams to make a return to the postseason, highlighting the importance of changing the negative atmosphere of previous seasons. Ryan Dixon from Sportsnet cited several factors that could contribute to the Rangers’ success, such as Sullivan’s leadership, the full season presence of J.T. Miller, and Igor Shesterkin’s potential return to form.
In a broader context, Dixon also pointed out that the New Jersey Devils, who made the playoffs last year, might face challenges this season due to the injuries of key players like Dougie Hamilton, Jack Hughes, and Jacob Markstrom. This suggests that the Rangers are not alone in navigating uncertainty and could capitalize on other teams’ struggles.
In Rangers news, Sullivan praised rookie players Gabe Perreault, Noah Laba, and Matt Rempe for their promising performances in the preseason, though the final roster decisions remain pending. Despite a recent preseason setback against the Boston Bruins, where the Rangers relinquished a lead, there is a cautious optimism surrounding their potential performance.
On the broader NHL front, preseason injuries have prompted several teams to reassess their strategies. Notable incidents include key injuries to the Nashville Predators’ Nicolas Hague and the Seattle Kraken’s former Ranger, Kaapo Kakko, both sustaining upper-body injuries. Meanwhile, the Ottawa Senators are adapting to Drake Batherson’s temporary absence due to a muscle strain, which could provide an opportunity for former Rangers forward Arthur Kaliyev.
As the new season approaches, teams across the league are contending with various challenges, yet there’s a palpable air of anticipation and potential for unexpected turns, with the Rangers poised to play a pivotal role in the dynamic Eastern Conference landscape.