If we really want to lean into the metaphor with our Rangers report card for the 2023-24 season, let’s just say that the Blueshirts had some trouble with the (Eastern Conference) Final exam. Will that affect their grades?
Indeed.
The Rangers had a tremendous regular season – grade A over 82! – but it all ended with a disappointing loss to the Florida Panthers, one stop short of the Stanley Cup Final. They did not finish the 30-year Cup drought with a neat bow, no matter how many ‘94 links we all dreamed up.
Here’s how the Blueshirts grade out for the season:
GOALIES
Igor Shesterkin: Earlier in the season, he was a little more wobbly than we’re used to and the Rangers gave him a needed reset. Then he was amazing and, in truth, the single biggest reason the Rangers got as far as they did. He had a 2.34 goals-against average in the playoffs and a .926 save percentage, regularly turning aside shot onslaughts. He even got his numbers into shape over the second half of the season, finishing at 2.58 and .912, though the save percentage was the lowest of his career.
Grade: A
Jonathan Quick: Future Hall-of-Famer as backup? Yes, please. Quick shined while Shesty sat, recording a 2.62 GAA and .911 save percentage.
Grade: A
FORWARDS
Artemi Panarin: He turned himself into one of the best offensive players in the NHL with a huge season (49 goals, 71 assists, 120 points), but he fizzled in the playoffs again after a strong start. He went eight straight games without a goal before the last one the Rangers scored in the tournament, with 1:40 left in Game 6 against Florida. His totals were OK (5-10-15) and he potted game-winners, but the Rangers needed more from their top scorer.
Grade: B-plus
Chris Kreider: The longest-tenured Ranger scored 39 goals and moved up in club record books and had that head-to-the-rafters binge in Game 6 of the conference semis with the natural hat trick that doomed Carolina. But he mustered just one goal in the ECF. Rangers needed more from him, too.
Grade: B
Mika Zibanejad: He’s established a higher regular season baseline than his numbers from this season (26-46-72) and then he followed that up with an uneven playoffs. He had three goals and 13 assists, but did not score a goal after Game 1 against Carolina. Ugh.
Grade: B-minus
Vincent Trocheck: Trocheck is annoying. And we mean that in a good way for the Rangers. He’s difficult to play against, gritty and talented. He had career bests in points (77) and assists (52) and scored 25 goals,…