As the 2025 trade deadline nears, the Rangers' lackluster performance raises doubts about their competitiveness. Despite still being mathematically in the race, the Rangers were recently embarrassed by poor teams, with losses including an 8-2 drubbing by Buffalo. Their reliance on standout goaltender Igor Shesterkin for a narrow win in Pittsburgh highlights the team's struggles. Calls for the front office not to reward this lack of effort are growing, as players seem to have given up, prompting questioning of the need for roster changes and trades at the deadline.
Coming out of the fun and exciting 4 Nations Face Off, the Rangers had two games against bad opponents. As discussed, while getting four points was the goal, it was more than just points. They not only needed to win, which they didn't, they needed to look good and dominate two bad teams, which they didn't.
If these players can't get over the fact that a friend was moved in the offseason, who was objectively one of the worst players in the NHL, then why should they be rewarded? If these players can't even play for the fans they say they love, then why should they be rewarded?
Absolutely nothing over the last two weeks of regular season hockey has shown us that these guys deserve to be buyers at the deadline. The JT Miller trade has worked out so far, but it's clear one player does not make a difference. Not when the players themselves appear to have quit.
If the players can't get their acts together for three must win games, winning just one and looking awful in all three, then why should this front office reward them?
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