NY Rangers Need To Improve Level of Play at MSG

The New York Rangers need to do a better job protecting home ice this season.

Feb 5, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan coaches against the Carolina Hurricanes during the first period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images / IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

There was a lot that went wrong for the New York Rangers during the 2025-26 NHL season that culminated in them finishing in last place in the Eastern Conference with only 77 points.

Positional groups on the roster underwhelmed, with the blueline being a major weakness. Injuries crippled what was already questionable depth, with defenseman Adam Fox, goalie Igor Shesterkin, and forwards Vincent Trocheck and J.T. Miller all missing portions of the season.

Constantly having to shuffle lineups led to a lack of cohesion and chemistry on the ice and lackluster results. Not only was the team’s production a surprise, but their struggles also raised eyebrows.

The Rangers struggled mightily when on their home ice at Madison Square Garden. New York lost its first seven games of the season at home, going 0-6-1 to set a sour tone for the entire campaign as they were shut out five times.

Rangers need to figure things out at Madison Square Garden

Apr 8, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Adam Fox (23) celebrates his goal against the Buffalo Sabres during the second period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images / IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

An offense that struggled all year long really couldn’t put the puck into the net with any regularity at MSG, which made it hard to believe that head coach Mike Sullivan believed his team was playing some great hockey; the results said otherwise.

"I believe that if we focus on the task at hand, stay in the moment, we don't get overwhelmed by circumstances, don't dwell on the past and we try to get better every day, put our best game on the ice, that the results will take care of themselves," Sullivan said, via Dan Rosen of NHL.com.

Sullivan and coaching staff concluded that the lack of scoring put a lot of pressure on the team when playing in front of the home fans. That compounded the problem as tensions rose as the team continued to struggle, unable to break through.

Rangers can overcome MSG demons early in 2026-27

Mar 2, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan coaches against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the second period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images / IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

In their 41 games at home, New York averaged a measly 2.54 goals per game. With 10 of their first 17 games being at Madison Square Garden to begin the 2026-27 campaign, the Rangers will be tested right out of the gate on their home ice.

If the team is going to turn things around this season, it is imperative that they do a better job at protecting home ice. Feeding off the energy from the fans is supposed to be an aid, not something that leads to pressure being doubled down upon.

Hopefully, the team is able to get off to a strong start at MSG this time around and set a better tone for the season than in Sullivan’s first year as head coach. It will be on him and the coaching staff to help devise a plan that leads to easier scoring opportunities to help take pressure off the players.