How asking for less has yielded more for the Rangers’ penalty kill

The Rangers’ range of results to start the season indicates room for growth in their overall game, but there has been one constant thus far.

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Penalty-killing has become a major strength amid the team’s pointed change in philosophy and personnel during shorthanded ice time. Back in training camp, head coach Mike Sullivan asserted his intention to alleviate some of his marquee players’ workloads, especially as it pertained to the PK.

The adjustments have resulted in a lockdown four-man structure, consistently fresh legs and a mere two power-play goals against through 11 games.

“I think just the timing,” Braden Schneider told Sports+ of what’s working for the penalty killers. “Our timing is really good, and our sticks have been really good.

I think we’ve done a really good job of taking away the middle of the ice, and we’ve done a really good job of collapsing at the net and not giving up those rebound and secondary chances.”