Examining the potential Achilles heel of each Metro Division team - Part 2

I dove into flaws that could prevent the Rangers, Flyers, Penguins, and Capitals from reaching their ceilings.

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Earlier this week, I took a closer look at the potential Achilles heels of the Carolina Hurricanes, New Jersey Devils, and New York Islanders.

Now it’s time to round out the division with the remaining teams. Let’s get to it.

New York Rangers: Jacob Trouba

There were rumblings the Rangers wanted to get out from Trouba’s contract this summer, but his no-trade protection proved too difficult to navigate around. That’s bad news for the Rangers and good news for everyone else.

Trouba’s game has really fallen off in recent years (he has posted GARs of +4.4, +2.2, and -5.4 over the past three seasons). His usage has not reflected that.

Peter Laviolette gave Trouba 17:14 of 5v5 ice per game last season, placing him 2nd on the team – ahead of even Adam Fox.

What did Trouba do with those minutes? He posted a 44% goal share (worst among Rangers defensemen) while also getting outshot and out-chanced.

Trouba ranked 6th among Rangers defenders in goals and points at 5v5. Oh, and he also took more minors than anybody on the backend.

At this point, Trouba is a complete throwback in style – he hits a lot, he blocks shots, etc. – but he doesn’t have the substance in his game to be effective.

If the Rangers continue giving Trouba the big minutes you generally see from a captain who carries an immensely large cap hit, they’re going to pay for it.

Philadelphia Flyers: Goaltending