Tuesday night’s loss to the Flames was more than just another defeat—it was a warning sign. The Rangers are at a crossroads, with little time left to reverse their fortunes
Mika Zibanejad’s brutally honest assessment may prove to be a rallying cry—or a grim forecast of a season slipping away.
Either way, how the Rangers respond over the next 13 games will define their season, determining whether they’ll be fighting in the playoffs—or reflecting on what might have been.
While being outshot 35-13 is a concerning stat, it’s important to remember that every team has off nights. The key for the Rangers is to take this game as a wake-up call and make the necessary adjustments moving forward.
Mika Zibanejad’s postgame comments reflect the team’s understanding that they need to be better.
The next step is turning those words into action when they take the ice against Toronto. How the Rangers respond will be a true test of their character and resilience as they push forward in the season.
Also Read: Chris Kreider: Meet His Wife Francesca Gentile, Career, Relationship and More
Table of Contents
Mika Zibanejad Sounds Off: “Not Acceptable”
Mika Zibanejad, one of the Rangers’ most consistent performers and leaders, didn’t sugarcoat his thoughts when speaking to the media after the loss.1
His comments reflected not only his personal disappointment but also a deep concern for the team’s overall execution.
“Just frustrating. Really frustrating. I don’t care if we play like that and we win. We lose and we play like that — it’s not acceptable,” Zibanejad stated firmly.
This wasn’t a typical, vague postgame response. Zibanejad’s words highlighted specific issues in the Rangers’ gameplay, ranging from sluggish puck movement to disjointed forechecking. His honest assessment left no doubt: improvements are urgently needed.
— Mika Zibanejad (@MikaZibanejad) January 18, 2023
Early Promise Fades: Panarin’s Opener Wasted
The Rangers began the game on the front foot, with Artemi Panarin lighting the lamp early in the first period.
Panarin’s goal injected a dose of optimism into the home crowd and suggested that New York might have the upper hand. However, the jubilation was short-lived.
The Flames quickly answered back, first with Nazem Kadri converting on a defensive breakdown, followed by Matt Coronato capitalizing on another lapse in coverage.
In just a matter of minutes, the Rangers found themselves trailing 2-1 by the end of the first period. Despite controlling the puck more in the latter half of the game, they couldn’t crack Flames goaltender Dan Vladar, who stopped 12 shots en route to victory.
Offensive Struggles: Too Slow, Too Far Apart
When probed about the team’s shortcomings, Zibanejad went deeper, pointing to systemic issues.
“I think we’re slow. We’re slow getting out of our zone. We’re slow moving up the pucks. I think we’re slow getting open,” he explained, highlighting the lack of urgency and cohesion.
He further criticized the team’s forecheck, noting the distance between forwards and poor support up the ice.
This tactical disconnect made it difficult for the Rangers to apply sustained pressure, resulting in turnovers and neutral zone traps that kept them hemmed in defensively.
Such breakdowns not only stifled New York’s offensive rhythm but also left their defensive corps exposed.
Mika Zibanejad: Goaltending Holds Firm
Shesterkin’s Solid Effort
While the Rangers’ skaters failed to generate enough offense, goaltender Igor Shesterkin did his part to keep the team in the game.2
Shesterkin turned aside 33 shots, making several key saves to prevent the deficit from widening further.
Unfortunately, his strong performance wasn’t rewarded with the offensive support he needed.
It’s been a recurring theme this season: Shesterkin standing tall while the skaters in front struggle to generate quality scoring chances or sustain pressure in the attacking zone.
Following the game, Rangers center Mika Zibanejad didn’t hide his displeasure. His blunt postgame remarks underscored the team’s growing frustration and internal acknowledgment that their current level of play may not be enough to secure a postseason berth.
Flames Take Advantage: Opportunistic Scoring
Credit must also be given to the Calgary Flames, who executed their game plan effectively. They took advantage of defensive breakdowns and pounced on opportunities when they arose.
Nazem Kadri’s goal came as a direct result of a turnover, and Coronato’s tally stemmed from New York’s sluggish defensive transition. Dan Vladar, though facing limited shots, stayed composed and delivered when it mattered most.
Calgary’s ability to capitalize on mistakes contrasts sharply with the Rangers’ struggles to convert their own chances, underscoring the importance of sharp execution in tight games.
13 Games Remaining: Playoff Push or Collapse?
- With just 13 games left in the regular season, the Rangers’ margin for error is razor-thin.
- Sitting just outside the Wild Card race, every point is crucial. Their inability to string together wins in recent weeks has kept them teetering on the playoff bubble.
- The Eastern Conference is notoriously competitive, with multiple teams vying for the final few playoff spots.
- The Rangers must find a way to correct their systemic issues quickly if they hope to remain in contention.
- The New York Rangers’ playoff hopes took a significant hit on Tuesday night, as they fell 2-1 to the Calgary Flames at Madison Square Garden.
- Despite drawing first blood with an early goal from Artemi Panarin, the Rangers couldn’t hold onto the lead, allowing two quick responses from the Flames’ Nazem Kadri and Matt Coronato.
- The loss drops the Rangers to a 33-30-6 record, leaving them precariously positioned just outside the Wild Card playoff picture in the fiercely competitive Eastern Conference.
Mika Zibanejad: Leadership on the Line
Accountability from Within
One positive takeaway from Zibanejad’s postgame remarks is the clear sense of accountability.3
As a leader, he took responsibility not just for himself but spoke to the collective shortcomings of the team.
In the NHL, leadership isn’t just about locker room speeches; it’s about setting the tone on the ice. If Zibanejad and the other veterans — including Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba — can lead by example and elevate their play, younger players will likely follow suit.
Head coach Peter Laviolette now faces a pivotal challenge. How can he adjust the Rangers’ tactics to inject pace, improve puck movement, and re-establish strong forechecking fundamentals?
The Rangers’ recent tendency to get bogged down in the neutral zone and struggle with breakouts must be addressed. Whether through lineup tweaks, system changes, or emphasizing fundamentals in practice, Laviolette’s next moves will be under intense scrutiny.
Trade Deadline Reflection: Did the Rangers Do Enough?
As the playoff race heats up, questions may also arise about the Rangers’ approach at the trade deadline. While the team made minor additions, some fans and analysts wondered if they should have been more aggressive in bolstering their roster.
Comparisons will inevitably be drawn to other Eastern Conference contenders who made significant moves to fortify their lineups. In hindsight, could additional reinforcements have given the Rangers the spark they seem to be lacking?
The Rangers’ remaining 13 games are essentially playoff games in themselves. Every shift, every period, every point will carry heightened importance.
Their next stretch includes matchups against both bottom-dwellers and fellow playoff hopefuls, meaning they must capitalize on winnable games while staying competitive against top-tier opposition.
The mentality going forward has to shift from frustration to determination. If the Rangers can channel the sting of recent losses into focused, aggressive play, there’s still hope.
Also Read: Mika Zibanejad: Who Is He? Bio, Wiki, Age, Career, Wife, Relationship and Birthday Celebration
Mika Zibanejad on Flames Outshooting the Rangers
A One-Sided Shot Battle: Flames Dominate the Rangers
The Calgary Flames put on an offensive clinic against the New York Rangers, outshooting them 35-13.
It was a night where the Rangers struggled to generate offense, managing just five shots in the first period, three in the second, and five again in the third.
For a team that typically prides itself on its ability to push the pace, the Rangers found themselves on their heels for much of the game.
Calgary’s aggressive forecheck, quick puck movement, and relentless pressure forced New York into a defensive shell that they couldn’t escape.
Offensively, the Rangers lacked creativity and struggled to make meaningful plays in the attacking zone.
Lack of Offensive Creativity Hurts the Rangers
Their transition game, which is usually a strong suit, was stifled by Calgary’s ability to clog passing lanes and force turnovers.
Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider, and Mika Zibanejad all had difficulty finding space to generate quality scoring chances. The few shots they did manage were often from the perimeter, making life easier for Flames goaltender Jacob Markström.
Despite the disappointing performance, this game serves as a learning opportunity for the Rangers. Every team faces adversity during the long NHL season, and how they respond to games like this often determines their long-term success.
Coach Peter Laviolette will likely emphasize the need for more aggressive zone exits, quicker puck movement, and stronger net-front presence in the upcoming practices. While one game does not define a season, it does highlight areas that need improvement.
Mika Zibanejad Reflects on the Rangers’ Offensive Struggles
Following the game, Mika Zibanejad did not sugarcoat the Rangers’ performance.
When asked specifically about the meager three-shot output in the second period, the veteran center admitted that the team didn’t generate nearly enough opportunities:
“I don’t think we have that good of a push in the third either, but I don’t think it’s enough obviously that second period. We’re lucky it’s 2-1, we still have a chance the way we played the first two periods. I don’t think we get many opportunities to come back in the third and to play like that.”
Zibanejad’s words underscore the frustration that likely ran through the Rangers’ locker room. Despite staying within reach on the scoreboard, they were never truly in control of the game.
Flames’ Relentless Attack Keeps Rangers on the Defensive
The Flames executed their game plan to perfection, cycling the puck effectively and keeping the Rangers pinned in their own zone.
Calgary’s ability to sustain offensive pressure not only led to a significant shot advantage but also wore down the Rangers’ defensive corps.
With sustained zone time and second-chance opportunities, the Flames forced Igor Shesterkin to be at his absolute best. The Rangers’ goaltender made key saves to keep his team in the game, but ultimately, the lack of offensive support proved too much to overcome.
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Special Teams and Puck Possession: Key Factors in the Game
Another significant factor in Calgary’s dominance was their control of puck possession. The Flames won the majority of faceoffs, controlled zone entries, and limited the Rangers’ ability to set up in the offensive zone.
On special teams, the Rangers had limited power-play opportunities and failed to generate momentum when given the chance. Calgary’s penalty kill was aggressive, disrupting New York’s setup and keeping them from creating high-danger scoring chances.
Conversely, the Flames’ power play capitalized on the few opportunities they had, adding to the Rangers’ frustration and limiting their ability to mount a comeback.
Rangers’ Defensive Unit Overwhelmed by Calgary’s Speed
One of the biggest concerns coming out of this game for the Rangers was their inability to handle Calgary’s speed through the neutral zone.
Time and again, the Flames entered the zone with speed and forced New York’s defense into uncomfortable positions.
Adam Fox and K’Andre Miller found themselves tasked with containing Calgary’s top forwards, but the relentless attack from the Flames proved difficult to contain.
The Rangers’ defensive structure, normally a strength, looked vulnerable against a team that dictated play for nearly the entire game.
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