The New York Rangers have faced challenges with their defense pairs this season, particularly following Ryan Lindgren's injury. Initially, the team excelled with a strong defensive lineup, but Lindgren's return has led to a decline in performance.

Despite Lindgren's historical contributions, his current form raises concerns, especially against competitive teams. The coaching decisions, particularly by Peter Laviolette, have also come under scrutiny as the team struggles to maintain effective defensive pairings.