NHL: Carolina Hurricanes at New York Rangers - Source: Imagn

3 most disappointing players from New York Rangers' 3-1 loss to Carolina Hurricanes feat. Mika Zibanejad

Modified Dec 23, 2024 17:28 GMT

The New York Rangers fell to the Carolina Hurricanes 3-1 in a matinee matchup at Madison Square Garden on Sunday. New York's record dropped to 16-16-1, while the Canes improved to 21-11-1.

The loss comes after a big win for the Rangers on Friday night in Dallas. The team was unable to carry that momentum into Sunday's battle.

Jimmy Vesey started the scoring just 17 seconds into the game, re-directing home a pass from Chad Ruhwedel.

The Rangers held that 1-0 lead until midway into the second period when William Carrier tied things up at one. Several minutes later, Alexis Lafreniere took a four-minute double minor penalty for high-sticking Jack Roslovic. Roslovic then took advantage by breaking the tie on the power play and tapping home a cross-ice feed from Dmitry Orlov.

Carolina stymied the Rangers for the remainder of the game and held onto their lead, with Sebastian Aho depositing an empty-net goal to seal the 3-1 win for the Hurricanes.

The Rangers were only able to muster up 23 shots on goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov while going 0-4 on the power play in the process.

The Rangers will look to head into their holiday break on a positive note as they head to New Jersey to face the Devils tomorrow afternoon. The puck drops at 1 p.m. ET at Prudential Center.

Let's dive into the three most disappointing player performances from New York's divisional loss to Carolina.

3 most disappointing players from New York Rangers 3-1 loss to Hurricanes

#1. Mika Zibanejad

Mika Zibanejad struggled in Sunday's loss to Carolina, marking his fifth straight game without a point. He finished with a -1 rating, registering just three shots on goal in 18:58 minutes. The Rangers need their No. 1 center to quickly step up his production.

#2. Alexis Lafreniere

It wasn't Alexis Lafreniere's finest game, either. Lafreniere, who had a -1 rating in 20:20 of ice time, was held off the scoresheet while putting three shots on goal. His second-period double minor penalty for high-sticking also proved costly, as Jack Roslovic capitalized on the power play for what ended up as the game-winning goal.

#3. Chris Kreider

Chris Kreider was once again far too quiet. Kreider is having a very down season and this afternoon was no different. He ended up playing just 16:11 while recording one shot on goal, with a -1 rating. Another key Rangers forward who must start scoring.