New York Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Rangers leaders are worrying about a non-issue

By Manuel Meza | Last updated Sep 26, 2025 7:01 PM ET

The New York Rangers lost 4-5 on Thursday to their interstate rivals, the New York Islanders, after having a lead in a preseason game.

Adam Fox lamented the wasted advantages, as something similar happened against the Boston Bruins, when the Rangers were winning 4-1 and lost 4-5 in OT.

“You want to win games that you’re playing," Fox said, via Colin Stephenson of Newsday Sports. "We’ve, the two games, been the better team for most of it… But you don’t want that stuff to creep in when you do have a two-goal lead in games."

This also worries coach Mike Sullivan, who said that beyond the result, the problem is how they collapse in the third period.

"At the end of the day, I get it, it’s an exhibition game. We haven’t worked on a lot of things; it’s a work in progress. It’s not about the loss, it’s about how we lost… I think the takeaway is we have to expect more from one another," Sullivan said, according to New York Post reporter Mollie Walker.

Even though it's an exhibition game, does a loss like this bother #NYR coach Mike Sullivan?

"Of course it does. I said it to the players after the game. It's not about the loss, it's about how we lost, right? One of the things we talked about on Day 1 was the responsibility that…
— Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) September 24, 2025

Why the Rangers' concerns are premature nerves, not real problems

The problem is real, but otherwise, the Rangers were a solid team during the rest of the preseason. The point of training camp is not to look at results but to focus on recovering fitness and working on the coach's expectations.

The offense has been fluid, with 13 goals in three games. These games have also let young players like Gabe Perreault demonstrate their ability. Adjustments take time, and it is not negative for these problems to arise in September. They are supposed to appear now, not once the season has started.

The good news for the Rangers is Perreault, 20, has two goals and is a good presence in dangerous zones, but New York can also feel optimistic due to Noah Laba, Conor Sheary, Brennan Othmann and Matt Rempe.

Laba, 22, has four assists and is emerging as a possible opening-night 3C. Sheary, 33, is taking advantage of his PTO with an immediate impact, fitting Sullivan's style. Othmann, 22, improved after a weak start and scored a power-play goal. Rempe, 23, has improved his skating and forecheck.

The competitive spirit of Fox and Sullivan is a good quality, but they must be careful not to fall into a panic narrative. The Rangers have shown important improvements, and when the adjustments click, the results will improve.

Manuel Meza

Manuel Meza is a sports journalist specializing in soccer (MLS, Liga MX, European leagues) and the NHL. With a writing career launched in 2020, he has contributed to industry leaders like Sports Illustrated, GRV Media, and Roundtable Sports. He is dedicated to providing news and analysis for Yardbarker's audience.

More must-reads: