Rangers Struggle with Four-Game Losing Streak as Key Players Remain Sidelined

The team looks to rebound against the Flyers while grappling with injuries and lineup adjustments during a challenging stretch.

The New York Rangers have lost four consecutive games, including a 4-3 defeat to the Carolina Hurricanes, and hold a 7-8 record over their last 15 games after a strong start to the season.
Friday's game against the Philadelphia Flyers carries significant playoff implications, with the Flyers just two points behind the Rangers for the first wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.
Injuries to key players Filip Chytil (upper body) and Chris Kreider (back spasms) have forced head coach Peter Laviolette to shuffle the lineup, including moving Kaapo Kakko to center despite his limited experience in the role.
While the Rangers showed improvement defensively against Carolina, allowing fewer shots and scoring chances, they collapsed in the third period and failed to secure a win.
Speculation about potential trades and internal adjustments has added external pressure, but team leaders and players remain optimistic about overcoming adversity and improving as a group.