Rangers' Offense Hits Wall: Sullivan Seeks Hybrid Game

The New York Rangers are struggling offensively, averaging just 2.51 goals per game, placing them 30th in the league. Coach Mike Sullivan is endeavoring to instill a "hybrid game" that blends possession with pursuit, aiming to create more diverse scoring opportunities. This season, the team has shifted from its previous style, focusing on a "grind game" and aggressive puck-pursuit forechecking to force turnovers and generate chances in high-danger areas.

Defensively, the Rangers have seen vast improvement, moving from 29th to first in allowed high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes. However, their offensive production has plummeted, scoring at the third-lowest pace five-on-five and significantly underperforming their expected goals. This offensive decline, exacerbated by the loss of defenseman Adam Fox, marks a stark contrast to their sixth-ranked five-on-five scoring just last season.

Sullivan is encouraging players to "make people defend you" by holding onto the puck and creating playmaking opportunities, rather than solely relying on dump-and-chase tactics. While the team's structure for puck pursuit is developing, translating practice decisions into game-speed execution remains a challenge. The roster's limitations, including an aging core and past asset mismanagement, further complicate Sullivan's efforts to implement his new system effectively without reinforcements.