The New York Rangers are in a precarious position after dropping Games 4 and 5 of the Eastern Conference Second Round to the Carolina Hurricanes. With the series shifting back to Carolina, they need a standout performance from their top-six forwards in Game 6 on Thursday to avoid squandering their third chance to close out the series.

Earlier in the playoffs and through the first three games of Round 2, the Rangers’ top six were highly effective. The top line of Chris Kreider, Mika Zibanejad, and Jack Roslovic was in peak form since Roslovic’s acquisition before the trade deadline in March. Zibanejad was among the postseason scoring leaders, Kreider was consistently contributing, and Roslovic was averaging a point per game.

The second line of Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck, and Alexis Lafreniere proved why they are considered one of the best trios in the NHL. Trocheck had a five-game goal streak, Panarin scored four game-winners, including one in double OT against the Hurricanes, and Lafreniere notched three goals over two games against Carolina.

However, in Games 4 and 5, the top six disappeared. They struggled at both even strength and on the power play, leaving the Rangers facing a must-win Game 6 on the road. A third consecutive loss would force a Game 7 back in New York.

“A little bit back on our heels I think,” commented Jacob Trouba after the 4-1 loss in Game 5. “In that situation, probably make more plays, get more on our toes, play more in the offensive zone. Just kind of get back to our game. I thought we let it come to us a little bit instead of taking the game to them.”

Rangers Need Stars to Shine in Game 6 Against Hurricanes

The Rangers cannot afford for their top six to go cold. To advance and find continued success, they need to replicate their scoring from the first seven games of these playoffs.

First seven games (7-0)

– Zibanejad: 3G-9A – 12Pts
– Panarin: 4G-5A – 9Pts
– Kreider: 4G-3A – 7Pts
– Trocheck: 5G-7A – 12Pts
– Roslovic: 2G-3A – 5Pts
– Lafreniere: 3G-6A – 9Pts

Past two games (0-2)

– Zibanejad: 0G-1A – 1Pt
– Panarin: 0G-0A – 0Pts
– Kreider: 0G-0A – 0Pts
– Trocheck: 0G-0A – 0Pts
– Roslovic: 0G-0A – 0Pts
– Lafreniere: 1G-0A – 1Pt

With just two points combined from the top six in the past two games, it’s clear why the Rangers have struggled. Their star players need to step up in critical moments. This lackluster performance over two consecutive playoff games, particularly in series-clinching opportunities, is a major concern.

The issues extend beyond offensive production. Panarin, for instance, is minus-5 over the past two games and was badly beaten by Evgeny Kuznetsov for the game-winning goal in Game 5.

Nevertheless, the Rangers have shown resilience after poor performances throughout the season. They need to do so again in Game 6.

“I know that this group has had games like (Game 5) before, and they responded,” said coach Peter Laviolette. “There’s accountability that goes with that, from themselves, and us, and what we bring. There are things we need to do better, and we’ll look to do that.”

To advance to the Eastern Conference Final, the Rangers’ top six must regain their form quickly. They need to excel at even strength and revitalize their power play (0-for-11).

After blowing 2-0 series leads in the 2022 Eastern Conference Final and the 2023 first round, the pressure is on New York to close out a series they once led 3-0. It’s time for their stars to shine and secure the win.