The New York Rangers reached a troubling moment in their season on Monday, losing 2–1 to the struggling Chicago Blackhawks at Madison Square Garden.
The loss to the Blackhawks, who are tied for the fewest points in the NHL (20) with the Nashville Predators, left head coach Peter Laviolette feeling frustrated as he criticized his team’s execution and effort.
“The execution was off all night,” Laviolette stated after the game, according to The New York Post’s Mollie Walker. “It could be due to fatigue, mental lapses, or anything. Regardless, it’s not acceptable.”
The Rangers struggled for most of the game, particularly in the second and third periods, where they created very few scoring opportunities.
The players seemed disconnected, leading some fans to boo them after the final whistle. Laviolette addressed this response after the game.
“It’s frustrating. I understand why; it’s deserved,” he said. “When your pace and execution should be higher, I get it.”
Monday’s defeat was the Rangers’ eighth loss in their last 10 games, coinciding with the trade of captain Jacob Trouba to Anaheim and the extended contract of star goaltender Igor Shesterkin.
The team, which enjoyed a Presidents’ Trophy-winning season, has struggled to find consistency and cohesion this year.
The Rangers will try to recover on Wednesday when they take on the Buffalo Sabres on the road, currently ranking fourth in the Metropolitan Division, tied on points (29) with fellow New York team, the Islanders.
