Rangers Let Critical Points Slip Away in Painful OT Loss to Ducks
The New York Rangers suffered one of their most frustrating defeats of the season, falling 5-4 in overtime to the Anaheim Ducks after holding multiple leads throughout the game. The loss leaves them outside the Eastern Conference playoff picture, making their postseason hopes even more uncertain.
Three Key Takeaways from the Loss:
1. Third-Period Collapse and OT Woes Continue
The Rangers controlled the game from the start, leading 3-1 after two periods and 4-2 late in the third. However, they allowed two quick goals in the final minutes, forcing overtime. Once again, their struggles in extra time haunted them—New York has now lost seven of nine OT games this season, many after surrendering late leads.
Head coach Peter Laviolette was visibly frustrated, keeping his postgame comments brief:
“We’re in charge of a game going into the third period, twice, and we don’t execute and get it done. That’s about as disappointing as it gets.”
2. Power Play Failures Cost Them
Despite getting seven power plays—including a crucial 5-on-3 opportunity—the Rangers converted only once. Their inability to capitalize on Anaheim’s mistakes proved costly, especially as the Ducks turned a penalty kill into momentum for their comeback. Forward J.T. Miller acknowledged the power play’s struggles, saying, “Our (power-play) unit basically gave them the game.”
3. No Time to Dwell—A Must-Win vs. San Jose
With only nine games left in the season, the Rangers don’t have time to dwell on the loss. They face the struggling San Jose Sharks next, a game they can’t afford to lose. With Igor Shesterkin likely getting a rest, Jonathan Quick will be in net against a Sharks team that just upset the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Defenseman Adam Fox summed up the situation: “We’re still in this with nine to go. Not much has to be said.”
The Rangers’ playoff chances are still alive, but Friday’s collapse shows they need to close out games if they want to stay in the race.