It's not a time to panic but it is a time to reassess where the Rangers are and where they need to be. It's also a time to ponder what they need to make a run to the Cup. The last two games showed the Rangers not big enough and not tough enough against two big, tough teams. For the second night the Rangers were held scoreless. Their last goal was an empty netter by Nash against San Jose.
Last night was a little better than against the Islanders, not by much, but a little better. At least we fought them. Kreider was a little better getting involved and even dropping the gloves. Kreider, Stempniak, St. Louis and Nash all had golden opportunities but failed. Maybe it will click against Columbus. I hope so.
The Rangers D spent a lot of time chasing people rather than playing their positions leaving Cam Talbot, who made 29 saves, defenseless. For the second game in a row there was little or no fore checking, the Rangers got 30 shots on goal. Tuukka Rask was good, improved to 19-10-6. Perhaps reacting to the news that a new 6 year contract will soon be offered, Marc Staal played a poor game. It happens.
Now the onus shifts to Columbus and the other unrestricted free agents, St. Louis, Zuccarello, Stempniak and Hunwick. The first two are keepers the last two optional. First things first. Let's score a goal and let's win a game. It's hard to believe that Stepan's absence could cause a scoring drought but it shows how fragile a team we have.
Tonight it's Columbus. Forget the past, concentrate on the present.
Friday, January 16, 2015
Rangers Blanked Again!
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