I saw someone describe it as "the Rangers always want to look pretty." Thought that was a very accurate description. They are always trying for the backdoor tap in or the tic-tac-toe, highlight reel passes to score.A little bit to consistent but whenever the Rangers crap the bed, Kreider is invisible. You never see him out there battling trying to inspire his team, only floating. On another site a poster described his game as a "Personal Day". And as a group these types of losses go back to four straight losses against Jersey in the playoffs. They just turn the switch off. How a team can look like world beaters for a couple games and then be so lethargic is Laviolette's biggest challenge. And I'm not sure the answer is in the dressing room as the team is presently constructed.
In answer to your questions above: Rangers look like world beaters when they play teams that can't stop the seam passes and can't forecheck effectively. When they are able to play "their game" (which is basically "off the rush, finesse", they can be good. But, as we've seen in the playoffs, they are vulnerable to (a) speed, (b) physicality and (c) heavy forechecking. Take away the passing lanes and limit the amount of open space to operate and they are lost. Rather than adapt and let their talent win out, most times they will try to force the issue which leads to disastrous results. I don't ever recall seeing a team so reluctant to shoot the puck; so unwilling to battle for pucks or even the slightest advantage; and never mind going to the net and fighting for rebounds. It's uncanny.