Most obviously, winning helps. The Rangers have picked up points in seven out of the eight games played since Feb. 26, which includes three wins in regulation.<\/p>\n
No Panarin or Miller, No Problem<\/p>\n
What makes the success even more impressive is that this is happening without Artemi Panarin, who was traded to the Los Angeles Kings<\/a> ahead of the Olympic break. The Russian winger, who will probably go down as the best free agent signing in the franchise\u2019s history, still ranks second on the team in scoring this season with 57 points in 52 games despite not appearing in the Blueshirts\u2019 lineup since late January.<\/p>\n Also, Captain J.T. Miller<\/a> has missed several games since the Olympic break. That\u2019s no small loss either, as the USA Hockey men\u2019s gold medalist has 38 points in 51 games in 2025-26.<\/p>\n Of course, the returns of superstars Adam Fox<\/a> and Igor Shesterkin help offset those losses. Those players obviously can\u2019t be replaced and will be key parts of the Rangers\u2019 success going forward.<\/p>\n Let Perreault and Lafreni\u00e8re Cook<\/p>\n With Fox and Shesterkin coming back to stabilize the defensive side of the ice, perhaps that\u2019s allowed the Rangers to play a little looser offensively.<\/p>\n Most notably, the coaching staff led by Mike Sullivan has come up with an Alexei Lafreni\u00e8re-Mika Zibanejad-Gabriel Perreault line combination up front. To say the least, it\u2019s been a joy to watch. Particularly with Lafreni\u00e8re, who looks like he\u2019s having more fun than a teenage kid after school playing pond hockey.<\/p>\n The Quebec native has posted 12 points in his last eight games, including a hat trick against the Calgary Flames<\/a> on March 10. From the eyeball, Lafreni\u00e8re has been noticeably using his puck skills in open ice to make plays happen and is scoring in front of the net. Who needs to win the draft lottery when you have a first-overall pick already<\/a>?<\/p>\n Lafreni\u00e8re makes it a 2-1 game in the 2nd period! pic.twitter.com\/Cut91gL3C4<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 TSN (@TSN_Sports) March 13, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n But that\u2019s not to discredit Zibanejad and Perreault, as they all bring something unique to the table. Perreault is that shiny new prospect who fans are excited about, and Zibanejad has been one of the better centers in the NHL for the past number of years.<\/p>\n Perreault, like Lafreni\u00e8re, is more of a playmaker who poses as a threat to beat goaltenders clean with a shot. Perreault won\u2019t always wow with his puck skills, but he is willing to drive the net.<\/p>\n SWEET PASSING PLAY! \ud83d\uddfd<\/p>\n Alexis Lafreni\u00e8re has his second of the night! <\/p>\n \ud83d\udcfa: @Sportsnet<\/a> or stream on Sportsnet+ \u27a1\ufe0f https:\/\/t.co\/4KjbdjVctF<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/DcJWXMEIPq<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NHL (@NHL) March 11, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n Putting those two players around Zibanejad is leading to some pretty goals, including the Harlem Globetrotters-style goal the three combined for the other night against the Flames, which was Lafreni\u00e8re\u2019s finish that made it 3-0. Simply put, they are having fun and not worrying about playing critical hockey games.<\/p>\n Why the Success May Not Continue<\/p>\n While it\u2019s ironically happening with Panarin gone, it felt like the Rangers were overall due for a hot streak at some point this season after failing to consistently pick up points<\/a> for much of 2025-26.<\/p>\n Well, that moment has arrived. However, it may not last. A big part of the success was the Rangers taking advantage of a weak schedule. In fact, not a single team outside of the Pittsburgh Penguins that the Rangers have played since the Olympic break finds itself in a playoff position.<\/p>\n But going forward, that will change a bit. With 17 games remaining, the Rangers will need to play the Minnesota Wild, Columbus Blue Jackets, Montreal Canadiens, Detroit Red Wings, Buffalo Sabres, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Dallas Stars. Most of those teams find themselves competing for a top spot in their division, with the Blue Jackets in striking distance of a playoff position currently.<\/p>\n Losses will come, but the return of Fox and Shesterkin, coupled with the magic seen from the new Lafreni\u00e8re-Zibanejad-Perreault line, has made things entertaining.<\/p>\n Regardless, Sullivan needs to let the line continue to work its magic. Lafreni\u00e8re and Perreault must continue to develop and turn into the best versions of themselves. This is what will give the fans hope for the future.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a>![\"New](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/New-York-Rangers-Alexis-Lafreniere-1200x800.jpg\")
New York Rangers left wing Alexis Lafreni\u00e8re (Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images)<\/p>\n![\"SUBSCRIBE](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Rangers_Banner-1200x122.jpg\")
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