Since the Alain Vigneault days, the Rangers have had a tremendous focus on playing three left handed defensemen and three right handed defensemen. This makes logical sense, and it’s pretty impressive that the Rangers were able to pull it off somewhat successfully for as many years as they did. Times, though, have changed.
From a tactics standpoint, having an even split of LD and RD is ideal. This puts the player’s forehand on the boards and not up the middle, which is a better position for defensive play in their own zone. A player on his off-hand would have his forehand up the middle, which can potentially lead to dangerous defensive coverages and clears.