Rangers veteran Mika Zibanejad appeared to be at a loss when facing questions about his team's disappointing performance. "It’s hard to explain. I don’t know what words would even justify that," Zibanejad said as per USA TODAY Sports. "Everyone wants to have a good start. Everyone wants to come out flying, but just nothing happens."

Kreider, who is dealing with back spasms, said he has spoken to GM Chris Drury about recent trade rumors but declined to characterize the conversation.

When the Rangers’ longest-tenured player, Chris Kreider, was suddenly sidelined the day after his name was mentioned in president and general manager Chris Drury’s league-wide memo eliciting trade partners,