The New York Rangers find themselves in a difficult position early this season. With an uneven 6-6-2 record, the team has struggled to find its identity, showing flashes of promise but often slipping into inconsistency. Their defensive steadiness has kept them competitive, but their offensive rhythm hasn’t followed.
That balance between leadership and performance is what the Rangers seem to be missing – something that Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins have long embodied. As New York looks for stability and a clearer direction, many around the league believe following Crosby’s example could help guide them back on track.
Should the Rangers Follow Crosby’s Playbook?
Crosby has built a career on consistency and leadership. At 38, he continues to lead the Penguins with 17 points in 14 games this season. His 2-year, $17.4 million contract shows his understanding of what it takes to help his team stay competitive. Crosby’s calm approach and team-first mindset have become a model across the league.
The Rangers, meanwhile, are facing a different kind of challenge. Artemi Panarin, 34, is in the final year of his seven-year, $81.5 million contract. According to Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos, Panarin has told the Rangers that he will not accept a pay cut from his current $11.6 million salary. This has paused all contract talks and left general manager Chris Drury with limited flexibility for future planning.
While Panarin has earned his value through years of strong play, the team’s current performance shows deeper issues. The Rangers are averaging only 2.21 goals per game, one of the lowest in the league. Their power play sits at 11.1%, ranking last in the NHL. On the other hand, their defense has been strong, allowing just 2.43 goals per game, which ranks second overall.
Dom Luszczyszyn of The Athletic recently wrote that Panarin “is off to a really slow start offensively with just seven points in 14 games.” Still, Luszczyszyn noted that Panarin’s “underlying numbers look great” and that he “still projects as an elite winger.” However, he added that his long-term value will decline if the Rangers choose to give him another long, expensive deal.
The difference between Panarin’s situation and Crosby’s example is clear. Crosby’s focus has always been on helping his team build around him, even if that means taking less money or adjusting his game. Panarin, while talented, seems more fixed on keeping his current deal structure. For the Rangers, this could make it harder to manage their salary cap and build a deeper roster.
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Crosby’s model shows the value of balance – both on the ice and off it. His steady play and willingness to adapt have allowed the Penguins to stay competitive year after year. For the Rangers to move forward, adopting a similar mindset may help them find the consistency they need.
If they can take a page from Crosby’s playbook, the Rangers might be able to turn their solid defense into a more complete, reliable team.