Rangers' Physical Game: Hits Lead League

0:00On April 30, the New York Rangers had a rough 2025-26 NHL regular season, finishing dead last in the Eastern Conference with. Just 77 points. New head coach Mike Sullivan came in hoping to spark a turnaround, but wins didn't follow. What did click was his push for a gritty old school physical game that hit opponents hard from puck drop to the end. That style showed up big time on the statsheet. The Rangers led the league in hits, posting the highest percentage at 56.73%. They averaged 25.47 hits per 60 minutes, way ahead of the Florida Panthers at 24.42 and racked up 2. 1112 total hits, nearly 100 more than anyone else. Fans and analysts are buzzing about whether all that lumber translates to actual results, especially since the team spent so much time chasing the puck after losses. Sullivan Games met more chances to throw hits, turning defense into a bruising affair.

1:00Sullivan's vision gave them an identity, even in defeat. Digging deeper, left-winger Will Kyle topped the Rangers with 302 hits, good for third in the NHL. Center Vincent Trollcheck had 193 in 67 games, and eight players hit the century mark, including JT. Miller and Mika Zivenehad, big man Matt Rempy led the team at 23.05 hits per 60, ranking 11th league wide. Sullivan's betting that this physical age builds momentum, heading into next year, turning those hits into the victories the Rangers have been, missing. That wraps NHL News today, brought to you with AI. I'm Cory with the story.