The New York Rangers are going to miss out on the playoffs. It certainly is a shame after the stretch of games they played from mid-March to April. When you look back, it’s hard not see why they won’t be playing in postseason action.
Key injuries, COVID related issues, and a leave of absence played a significant role. The Rangers struggled in some crucial games against the best in the Division. When your best players are out of the lineup, it’s hard to win.
- Artemi Panarin: 11 games (2 LBI, 9 leave of absence – 21% of all games played to date)
- Jacob Trouba: 14 games and counting (8 broken thumb, 6 UBI – 27%)
- Igor Shesterkin: 10 games (10 games groin – 19%)
- Kaapo Kakko: 7 games (7 games COVID related – 13%)
New York Rangers suffered some key injuries and absences
Apr 1, 2021; Buffalo, New York, USA; New York Rangers left wing Artemi Panarin (10) on the ice for warmups before a game against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center.