3 least impressive New York Rangers players from the 3-2 overtime loss to the Colorado Avalanche, including Chris Kreider.

In a thrilling 3-2 overtime loss to the Colorado Avalanche on January 13, 2025, the New York Rangers battled hard but ultimately fell short in the final moments. Despite some excellent individual performances, there were areas where certain players struggled to make an impact when it mattered most. In this postgame analysis, we’ll take a closer look at three of the least impressive Rangers players from the loss, including Chris Kreider, whose absence was sorely felt.

While the Rangers have an impressive roster and strong team play, this game highlighted how specific players’ performances could have been better in key moments. Let’s break down the three players who, for various reasons, didn’t perform up to expectations in this matchup.

1. Chris Kreider – A Missed Physical Presence

Chris Kreider’s absence was perhaps the most obvious and impactful reason for the Rangers’ struggles in their overtime loss. The veteran forward, who has been a key player for the Rangers in recent years, was out due to injury, leaving a significant void in the lineup. Kreider is known for his physicality, screening ability in front of the net, and finishing skills around the crease. His leadership, particularly on the power play and in tight games, is invaluable.

However, his absence in this game was glaring. Kreider is a player who thrives in front of the net, and the Rangers’ power play often runs through his ability to create traffic and tip shots. Without him in the lineup, the Rangers lacked the same kind of presence in those crucial areas. Mika Zibanejad, Artemi Panarin, and Adam Fox are all extremely skilled players, but they rely on Kreider’s physicality to be a true threat in high-pressure situations, especially in front of the opposition’s goaltender.

While the Rangers did score a power-play goal, it came from the point, and there was no one in front of Colorado’s goalie, Darcy Kuemper, to screen the shot or create chaos around the crease. The Rangers couldn’t effectively capitalize on many of their power-play opportunities, and it became evident that Kreider’s size and net-front presence would have been the perfect remedy for Colorado’s tight defensive scheme.

Additionally, Kreider’s physical play is often the spark that gets the team going in tough games. In a matchup against a team like the Avalanche, with players like Cale Makar and Mikko Rantanen who can take over a game with their offensive prowess, Kreider’s ability to engage physically and shift the momentum could have been a game-changer. His absence contributed to the Rangers’ inability to establish a physical edge, especially in the second and third periods when they were trying to fight back after falling behind.

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Kreider’s absence from the Rangers’ power play and his inability to provide his trademark net-front presence likely contributed to the Rangers’ power-play struggles, where they went 1-for-4. Without his screens, tips, and physicality, the Rangers couldn’t match Colorado’s aggression and defensive structure.

2. Alexis Lafrenière – Missed Opportunities and Inconsistent Play

Alexis Lafrenière had an opportunity to step up in this game, especially with Kreider out of the lineup, but he was unable to take advantage of it. Lafrenière, the 2020 first overall draft pick, has shown flashes of brilliance during his early career, but consistency has been a lingering issue. This game was no exception, as he struggled to make a significant impact, despite getting some time on the second line and on the power play.

The second-year winger had some chances to create offense, particularly on the power play, but his decision-making and execution left much to be desired. There were multiple moments where Lafrenière had opportunities to drive the puck to the net or create passing lanes but instead chose to defer to teammates or hesitated when the puck was on his stick. This led to missed opportunities and reduced his overall impact on the game.

Additionally, Lafrenière has struggled with his consistency in the defensive zone, and this game was no different. The Rangers were at times caught in their own zone, and Lafrenière wasn’t able to consistently win puck battles or provide the defensive support needed to help the team transition back into the offensive zone. In a game where the Rangers needed every player to be sharp, Lafrenière’s lack of urgency and decisiveness was evident.

While Lafrenière is still developing, and his potential remains clear, games like this serve as a reminder that he has yet to fully realize the high expectations that come with being the first overall pick. He has the tools, but the game didn’t seem to come naturally to him in this contest.

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Lafrenière finished the game with just one shot on goal and a -1 rating. His lack of production, combined with his inability to consistently impact the game, makes it clear that he needs to continue working on both his offensive and defensive play to help the Rangers move forward.

3. Filip Chytil – Struggling to Make an Impact

Another player who had an underwhelming performance in this 3-2 overtime loss was Filip Chytil. The young center has shown plenty of promise over the years, but in this matchup, he failed to stand out and wasn’t able to make a significant impact in all three zones.

Chytil had been a reliable contributor for the Rangers, but in this game, he struggled with both his offensive game and his decision-making. While the Rangers did have several strong chances, Chytil was often caught hesitating with the puck or making passes that didn’t connect. In the fast-paced, physical nature of this game, Chytil needed to be quicker with his decision-making, but too often, he was a step behind. This was especially evident during the Rangers’ power plays, where he failed to provide the necessary support down low or create scoring opportunities from the slot.

Defensively, Chytil was caught flat-footed on a couple of occasions. The Avalanche’s speed and transition game exposed some of his weaknesses, particularly in the neutral zone. There were moments where Chytil didn’t match the intensity of the play, leaving gaps in coverage or allowing Colorado players to gain the zone uncontested. As a center, it’s important for him to set the tone both offensively and defensively, but in this game, his inconsistency was a liability.

Despite playing 16 minutes and getting a few opportunities to produce offensively, Chytil’s lack of execution left much to be desired. He had the potential to be a game-changer, but in this contest, he didn’t rise to the occasion.

Key Stat to Watch:

Chytil finished with zero points, one shot on goal, and a -1 rating. His inability to make an impact on the scoresheet or in key defensive moments makes his performance one of the least impressive in the loss to Colorado.

Honorable Mentions: Other Players Who Struggled

While the three players listed above were the most notable in terms of underperformance, there were a few other Rangers who had less-than-ideal games. K’Andre Miller and Jacob Trouba, two of the Rangers’ key defensemen, also had their struggles in this game. Miller, while generally solid, had some defensive lapses that allowed Colorado’s top players like Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen to find open ice and create scoring opportunities. Trouba, the captain, was physically engaged but at times struggled with puck management and decision-making in his own end.

Additionally, the Rangers’ power play as a whole was underwhelming. While they did score once on the man advantage, the unit went 1-for-4 and failed to take full advantage of its opportunities, especially with Kreider’s absence. The lack of chemistry on the power play and the inability to get to the net created frustration for the Rangers throughout the game.