The New York Rangers’ dynamic young duo, Alexis Lafrenière and Will Cuylle, are facing a startling reality: just one goal each in their first eight games of the season. For two players who combined for 37 goals last season, this slow start is more than just a slump—it’s a head-scratcher. And it’s not just about their stats; their struggles are a key factor in the Rangers’ inconsistent offensive performance so far this year. But here’s where it gets intriguing: head coach Mike Sullivan believes there’s untapped potential waiting to be unleashed.
“I think there’s another level to their game,” Sullivan remarked after Wednesday’s practice in Tarrytown, his words echoing both challenge and confidence. For Lafrenière, who celebrated his 24th birthday earlier this month, this season feels like an extension of a longer regression. After scoring 28 goals two seasons ago, his current drought raises questions about what’s holding him back. Yet, Lafrenière remains resilient. “Just keep going, keep shooting,” he said, emphasizing his focus on creating chances, even if the goals aren’t coming yet.
Cuylle, meanwhile, finds himself in a similar situation. Both players are among the team’s leaders in shots on goal—Lafrenière trails only Mika Zibanejad with 22, while Cuylle sits sixth with 18—but the results aren’t matching the effort. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about shooting more; it’s about shooting smarter. Sullivan has been urging them to adjust their mindset, encouraging them to “get to the interior” more often—whether by crashing the net, staying there, or capitalizing on rushes.
“They’re talented enough to make that next play and score,” Sullivan asserted, highlighting their ability to turn opportunities into goals. But talent alone isn’t enough. During Wednesday’s practice, Sullivan’s frustration boiled over during a power-play drill, though he later clarified it wasn’t directly related to Lafrenière and Cuylle’s struggles. Instead, he emphasized the need for the penalty kill unit to sharpen its focus and compete harder against the power play, even in practice.
“We want our penalty kill to push our power play to be at their very best,” Sullivan explained, challenging the notion that practice should be a cakewalk for either unit. This aggressive approach extends to the power play itself, which has underperformed so far. Sullivan wants to see more urgency in getting pucks on net, forcing action rather than waiting for it to happen.
Amidst these offensive woes, one bright spot shines undeniably: goaltender Igor Shesterkin. Leading the NHL in goals against average (1.17) and save percentage (.957), Shesterkin’s dominance is a testament to both his skill and the team’s defensive efforts. “He’s one of the elite goalies in the league,” Sullivan praised, adding that Shesterkin’s presence alone limits opponents’ scoring chances.
But here’s the controversial question: Is the Rangers’ reliance on Shesterkin’s brilliance masking deeper offensive issues? While the defense has done a solid job limiting shot quality and second-chance opportunities, the offense’s inability to convert chances into goals remains a glaring concern. Sullivan credits the defense for Shesterkin’s strong start, but the team’s success ultimately hinges on Lafrenière, Cuylle, and the rest of the forwards finding their rhythm.
As the season progresses, the Rangers face a critical juncture. Can Lafrenière and Cuylle break through their early-season slump and rediscover their scoring touch? Will Sullivan’s adjustments pay off, or will the team need to explore other solutions? One thing is certain: the answers to these questions will shape not just their season, but their legacy as a team. What do you think? Are Lafrenière and Cuylle simply in a temporary rut, or is there a deeper issue at play? Let us know in the comments—this is a conversation worth having.
