The snow that hit the city cut into the crowd big time. Too bad it didn't cut into the Rangers. They lost another game in another uninspiring performance. I think this time they got help from the coach. With the top scorer, Marian Gaborik, sidelined due to an injury, the drain trust decided to play with seven defensemen. Corey Potter was injected into the lineup leaving only eleven forwards. What sense does that make? None. Is it fitting that the game was lost because a defenseman went bonkers on a call and 'insulted' the ref? This led to a four minute penalty which resulted in the game winning goal.
So instead of going for offense, or at least trying, Torts went for more defense. I did not check but what did Potter get, 5-7 minutes? As usual, Lundqvist kept up his end of the bargain, giving up two goals and making 34 saves. Of course, giving up two goals is nothing new to Henrik. In the last 29 games, Lundqvist has held the opposition to two goals or fewer in 22 games. The Rangers record in those 22 games is 12-10.
With two games to go before the Olympic break, the Rangers are sinking fast. They have now lost eight out of their last ten and are only three points ahead of the 13th place Islanders. If you want to look ahead they are ten points ahead of the last place Maple Leafs. Now that's something to look forward to. Maybe when we meet them we can dress eight defensemen.
Remember, not playing defense is not an option. However, when you can't score it doesn't matter how tight your defense is.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Snow Job At MSG
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I have spent the entire year lurking. Watching this team has been very painful. Now, I can finally rest, stop watching hockey, and enjoy the Olympics knowing that we will not make the playoffs.
Even in a year where the East is weak, it will take 90 points or more to make the playoffs. We have 59 with 22 games to go. This team would have to finish with 31 more points - 15-5-1 - to make it. That is just not going to happen. Tampa or Boston need only get 27 points in 23 games - 13-9-1. One of them will do that.
The Rangers should be shedding players, getting draft picks and making room under the cap.
One more point, it is time that the powers that be get rid of Sather and bring Don Maloney back. We have great youth, and they and Gaborik is why were in contention for a while this year. But our top five players have three that just are not worth keeping.
Chris Drury $8,050,000 $7,050,000
Wade Redden $8,000,000 $6,500,000
Marian Gaborik $7,500,000 $7,500,000
Henrik Lundqvist $6,875,000 $6,875,000
Michal Rozsival $6,000,000 $5,000,000
Drury, Redden and Rozsival are worth $9,000,000 between them all, at best.
Section 335-Playoffs should not be in the Ranger fans plans. I agree with the selling. A low finish will give us a top pick in the draft. This team has too many holes and must be dismantled. A major overhaul is needed and it must start at the top.