If they were hoping to build on a good weekend against some of the league’s best teams, the Rangers reverted in a dismal 3-0 loss to the Blackhawks. Just like that, they’re winless in three (0-1-2).

Facing a younger opponent building around Connor Bedard, the Rangers were exposed. The Blackhawks used their speed and transition game well to respond after getting chewed out by coach Jeff Blashill, following two bad losses that saw them outscored 13-1.

Back at home, they played one of their best games against the Rangers, who once again looked allergic, wearing their centennial jerseys. As nice as those throwback Blueshirts are, they might want to consider retiring them. Sadly, they’ve only won once while wearing the historic threads.

Even worse, they got shut out for the sixth time in 32 games. It marked the first time they failed to score a goal on the road. For the most part, they’ve played their best hockey away from Madison Square Garden. In 17 road games, they’re 12-5-1. With some big games at home coming up, including the Canadiens this Saturday, they need to start winning at The Garden.

Nothing went right for the Rangers last night. At the forefront were lousy special teams. In particular, the eyesore that’s become the power play.

Following a scoreless first period thanks in large part to Igor Shesterkin, they went on the man-advantage following a slash that Artemi Panarin drew. The five-forward first unit imploded to give up a shorthanded goal to Louis Crevier. A Mika Zibanejad turnover led to Crevier coming in and deking Shesterkin to give the Blackhawks the lead.

In a period where they got 11 shots on Spencer Knight, the Rangers were unable to break through. The Blackhawks played well defensively to limit most of their chances to the perimeter. When they needed a big save, Knight was there to provide it.

J.T. Miller came the closest to scoring, but he had his shot go off the goalpost. It wasn’t the only close call. Alexis Lafreniere, who played an inspired game, would also have a shot draw iron later.

The Blackhawks went up by two thanks to Connor Bedard, who finished off his 19th from in front with 5:33 remaining. After Zibanejad went to the bench for a change, Andre Burakovsky gained the zone and centered for Bedard, who had enough space to roof a shot top shelf past Shesterkin. Vladislav Gavrikov didn’t close out Bedard in time.

In the third, Bedard helped set up the Hawks’ third goal less than five minutes in. He drew Will Borgen to him and left the puck for Ryan Greene, who then had it go right to Tyler Bertuzzi, who buried his 16th.

Trailing by three, the Rangers tried to get back in it. Lafreniere was the one player who had it going. He was double shifted by Mike Sullivan, who was in desperate search of offense.

Lafreniere created a great opportunity for Noah Laba when he centered the puck in front. But Laba was denied twice by Knight, who finished with 21 saves for his second shutout of the season.

Two shifts later, Lafreniere took a Panarin cross-ice pass and then beat two Blackhawks to the net, but he had his backhand ring off the crossbar. All he could do was look to the ceiling after failing to complete a great move that would’ve given the Rangers some life.

In Year Six, he’s still looking for his 100th career goal. A far cry from what the Rangers envisioned when they selected him first overall in 2020. Lafreniere can look very dangerous when he’s engaged. It hasn’t been enough since signing the contract extension last year.

Lafreniere would also draw consecutive penalties to give the Blueshirts two more looks on the power play. By then, Sullivan replaced Will Cuylle with Scott Morrow, who was the only defenseman on the point following the run of failures by the five forwards. Sadly, nothing changed.

In three chances, the Rangers only had one shot on Knight. It was as inexcusable as their effort, which a vocal Miller criticized afterward.

There isn’t much to add. If the top guys don’t produce, it’s hopeless. The lack of scoring depth, which was a concern coming in, has become an issue. Sullivan’s still trying to find anyone who can play with Laba. While he’s been alright, Brett Berard has no points since his recall. Cuylle was dropped down to help, but he must play with Miller and Vincent Trocheck, who’s cooled considerably since he was split up from Lafreniere and Panarin.

Taylor Raddysh sat out for a second consecutive game. After his hot start, he’s been reduced to almost nothing. All while Conor Sheary keeps getting top six opportunities that a pro-tryout player shouldn’t have on a good team. It’s extremely frustrating to see how Sullivan is running things. He likes to use Sheary in a checking role. But what good is it if it hurts what’s already a thin offense?

The fourth line never scores. It’s basically Sam Carrick by himself. Wouldn’t it make sense to see what Brennan Othmann can do? Obviously, he’s not going to play on the checking line. But what about on the third line?

The Rangers are remaining patient with Gabe Perreault, who’s played very well for Hartford. They don’t want to rush him. At some point, he’ll be back up. It won’t be for a while.

If they can’t score consistently, it begs the question of what exactly Chris Drury did to improve the roster? He subtracted Chris Kreider (13 goals) for a crummy return. Zibanejad leads the team with 11 goals. He isn’t a finisher. Panarin has been that guy the last two years. He has 10 goals so far. They need him to start burying shots.

There’s a lot wrong with this team. Even if they give a better effort under Sullivan, it’s still too reliant on the goalies. Shesterkin and Jonathan Quick stand on their heads. It isn’t any different than before.