The New York Rangers kick off November following one of their strongest starts to a season ever, finishing October with a record of 6-2-1. Even though two losses came in their last three games, their performance has still been commendable. They currently sit fourth in points in the Metropolitan Division, but hold the third spot in points percentage at .722, trailing only the Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals, both at 7-2-0 (.778).
As the new month begins, there are many positives to look forward to. In goal, Igor Shesterkin is making a strong case for becoming the highest-paid goalie in NHL history, unaffected by free agency concerns. He has a record of 4-2-1, with a 2.43 goals-against average, a .923 save percentage, and one shutout, being the standout player in his two regulation losses. Backup Jonathan Quick has also contributed with a 2-0-0 record and only three goals allowed, and he is likely to see more ice time as the schedule gets more packed.
Adam Fox paired up with K’Andre Miller for much of October while Ryan Lindgren recovered from an upper-body injury. Their partnership worked well until a 5-3 loss to the Capitals on Tuesday prompted Coach Peter Laviolette to realign the pairings, bringing Lindgren back to the top duo. Expect to see more of Lindgren and Fox together moving forward.
Leading the team in points is Artemi Panarin with 15, and his line with Vincent Trocheck and Alexis Lafreniere continues to impress. Notably, the third line of Filip Chytil, flanked by Will Cuylle and Kaapo Kakko, has been arguably the NHL’s best during October. Chytil, who missed nearly the entire previous season due to injury, has provided significant support, notably facilitating the Rangers’ offense while Mika Zibanejad has struggled. When this line is on the ice at even strength, the Rangers have outscored opponents 10-0, including a 9-0 advantage at 5v5.
In November, the Rangers will play five of their first six games at home before heading to Seattle and three teams in Western Canada during the week leading up to Thanksgiving. That week will be packed, featuring four games in six days, including a key matchup against the Hurricanes, who are expected to be their main rivals for the Metropolitan Division title.
Looking at the rest of the Metropolitan Division as November unfolds:
**Carolina Hurricanes (T1 – 7-2-0; .778 points percentage)**: The Hurricanes have won seven of their last eight after an opening-night loss to Tampa Bay, including a successful four-game trip similar to the one the Rangers will undertake. Despite losing pivotal players like Jake Guentzel and defensemen Brady Skjei and Brett Pesce to free agency, they maintain their aggressive playstyle, taking shots from various angles and dominating puck possession. However, their goaltending duo faces a challenge with Frederik Andersen sidelined due to a lower-body injury, pushing Pyotr Kochetkov into the starting position.
**Washington Capitals (T1 – 7-2-0, .778 points percentage)**: The Capitals surprised many last season by making the playoffs and are once again defying expectations. While Alex Ovechkin isn’t in his prime anymore, he’s still productive with five goals and ten points in nine games. Tom Wilson has contributed with six goals as well. The defense remains strong, despite Matt Roy’s injury, and Coach Spencer Carbery has been alternating goalies, with Logan Thompson performing well so far. November will be busy for the Capitals, as they face 15 games in 29 days, including tough stretches against teams in Colorado and Florida.
