The Rangers tried to make up for five lousy periods of hockey by pulling of a miracle finish. It didn't work. Trailing 4-0 going into the third the Rangers gave up a goal to Daniel Alfredson at the 1:02 mark to go down 5-0. It practically emptied the Garden. Those of us who refused to leave were mistreated to a tough loss, aided by a blown non call by the refs in the third period.
Rip Van Winkle Renney woke up sort of, and decided to scramble his lines. Prucha joined Straka and Jagr. Nylander centered Shanahan and Hossa and Betts worked with Jason Ward and Ortmeyer. Unfortunately there was nothing he could do with the defense which was as porous as usual. Malik, Kaspy and Rachunek all played down to their levels. Kevin Weekes was left out to dry and had no support in giving up four goals. He was replaced by Lundqvist at the end of the second period.
The goal scorers were Prucha, Jason Ward, Hossa and Betts which cut the lead to 5-4 with about nine minutes left. However the Rangers couldn't get the equalizer and an empty netter by Heatley sealed the game. With about three minutes left a non call by the refs on a delay of game infraction by Chris Phillips, who from his defensive zone lifted the puck into the stands on the far opposite side of the rink. It should have ben a two minute delay of game but it didn't happen.
The "Drain Trust" of Glen Sather and Don Maloney were sitting up in the luxury boxes. You think they saw anything? You think they saw what a poor defense they have put together? You think they saw the perimeter 'Czech-less' offense they have put together? You think they saw their off season acquisitions, Aaron Ward, Matt Cullen and Adam Hall performing so poorly? You think they saw a coach who needed most of the game before he changed tactics? They probably saw the third period and think all is well and the recovery is under way. Did they see the Islanders win last night and move to within three points of the Rangers? You think they saw that the Rangers are falling out of a playoff spot? As that great philosopher once said, "It's getting late early."
ICINGS: My son and I had dinner at the Play By Play. There were three tables near us with two persons per table and we were discussing the Rangers. It was amazing that we were all on the same page and all agreed 100% on the following:
1. Tom Renney is a horrible coach.Amazing! I wonder if the "Drain Trust" saw all that up in the sky box?
2. The Rangers are too soft.
3. The Rangers aren't tough enough.
4. The defense is awful.
5. Malik is awful.
6. Where are the young players.
7. Offense doesn't go to the net.
8. No one protects Jagr from getting hit.
January 12, 2007NY Rangers: RANGERS CLAIM JASON KROG OFF WAIVERS FROM ATLANTA - New York Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather announced today that the club has acquired center Jason Krog from the Atlanta Thrashers, claiming him off waivers.
Krog, 31, has appeared in 14 games for Atlanta this season, registering one goal and three assists, along with six penalty minutes and a plus-three rating. Krog posted an NHL career-high three-game assist streak from December 23 to December 27 after he was recalled by the Thrashers from the American Hockey League (AHL) on December 12...
Headlines:
Daily News
Blueshirts' rally fails
NY Post
RALLY KILLER - REFEREES THWART COMEBACK
Newsday:
A furious rally still can't win a curious game
January 11, 2007
Daily News
Rangers Look For Quick Fix
NY Post
Renney Venom More Of Same
Newsday
Looking Outside For Goals
Journal News
Rangers Need To Show More Hunger
Do you like the Krog addition? He won the Hobe Baker award in 1999 while at New Hampshire. His NHL career has been a disappointment. I just don't know if he'll help.
anonymous-Its hard to see a guy with 19 goals in 189 games is going to help.