Pavel Dorofeyev has encountered a challenging start to his tenure with the New York Rangers, managing just two goals through the team’s first 11 games of the season. Despite generating significant scoring opportunities, the 25-year-old winger has been unable to consistently convert chances into goals, drawing attention from both coaches and observers.
Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan disclosed Monday that Dorofeyev had been temporarily removed from the team’s first power-play unit due to a tendency to overstay on the ice during shifts without making timely line changes. Sullivan noted that this issue affected the entire first unit, but Dorofeyev was the focal point when it recurred. The player acknowledged the coach’s decision and expressed a commitment to improve his situational awareness. Following the adjustment, Dorofeyev was reinstated to the top power-play group later in Monday’s game and at Wednesday’s practice.
Dorofeyev’s season has contrasted with a productive run in previous years, particularly during his time with the Vegas Golden Knights. Over the past two seasons, he scored a combined 72 goals, including 20 on the power play last year. However, his current scoring pace suggests he may fall short of reaching the 20-goal mark in this campaign.
Statistically, Dorofeyev ranks well in generating offensive opportunities. He leads the Rangers with an individual expected goals per 60 minutes of 1.67, tying for 13th-best across the NHL. He also produces 6.87 individual high-danger chances per 60 minutes, second only to teammate Will Cuylle on the Rangers and ranking 22nd league-wide. Despite this, his actual goals per 60 minutes stand at 0.62, placing him tied for 218th in the NHL as of Wednesday’s games.
The winger’s two goals came early in the season—a two-on-one conversion assisted by Oliver Bjorkstrand in the home opener and a deflection goal on the power play during a 7-1 loss to the New Jersey Devils last Thursday. Beyond those moments, Dorofeyev’s performance has been characterized by near misses and missed opportunities.
Sullivan remains optimistic, highlighting Dorofeyev’s ability to create chances and pointing to the player’s known streakiness. The coach noted that last season's goal droughts, including stretches of eight, nine, and 10 games without a goal, are not unprecedented for the forward.
Throughout the early season, the Rangers have adjusted Dorofeyev’s role, alternating his positioning between the first and second forward lines and moving him between the first and second power-play units. Sullivan even experimented with assigning Dorofeyev to the bumper position on the top unit, a role the player said he had little experience with during his time in Vegas.
Emphasizing process over results, Sullivan encouraged Dorofeyev to focus on making plays rather than worrying about scoring directly, suggesting that goals would come as a natural consequence. Dorofeyev echoed a similar sentiment, stressing the importance of persistence in the face of his current struggles and maintaining confidence that his scoring will rebound.
As the Rangers continue to seek greater offensive production at even strength and on the power play, Dorofeyev’s ability to capitalize on his opportunities remains a key factor in the team’s pursuit of success over the remainder of the 82-game season.