Rangers Fall Short in 2010

I cannot recall watching a regular season game that was like the 7th game of the Stanley Cup Finals........until today's Rangers-Flyers regular season finale. Although they lost in a shootout and pulled our puds to the last shootout attempt their spirited effort over the last 10 games was surely un-Rangerlike.

Give Tortorella credit for getting them ready for the homestretch, they would faded a lot quicker with Renney at the helm. But I disagree with having Joikenen in the top three for the shootout. He really looked like he had no clue against an average goalie like Boucher. It's not like Tortorella had no other choice! I know Gaborik is not that successful in shootouts but I woiuld taken my chances with the leading goal and point getter on the team than send out the Scott Norwoodesque Olli Joikenen. In his post-game comments Tortorella quipped that he had "no regrets" by not putting Gaborik in there.

Granted, P.A. Parenteau took 2 bad penalties but he still got a key shootout goal to redeem himself and I do not blame Anisimov for trying to make a play shorthanded. You don't have the luxury of time to decide what you will do in that situation and judging how this rookie has played during the regular season and playoffs the Rangers have a future star two-way player in Arten Anisimov (+2 in 82 games).

I also question why Matt Gilroy was a healthy scratch the last ten games. He played 69 games and was even in plus minus. Certainly they could have used his offensive skills instead of playing Anders Eriksson exclusively down the stretch. Heading into overtime today the Rangers had a dismal 4-10 record. They were very cautious and did not aggressively go to the net for fear of giving up an odd-man rush. Gilroy would have added that good point shot in overtime and not sacrificed the forwards getting caught in deep. In the shootout both the Flyers and Rangers were 3-3 but the entire hockey universe would give Lundquist the edge but the Flyers have too many skilled players who can put the puck in the net.

But it was again another game where Lundquist stood on his head facing 46 shots with about 25 of them being excellent scoring chances. There is no argument as to why is he was voted the team MVP by the hockey writers who cover the Rangers. It will be fun to discuss the future of the team and what they really need to get to Mount Stanley again in upcoming blogs.

For now we are disappointed Ranger fans but as true hockey fans we will watch the playoffs. We all know that Washington and Pittsburgh will be heavily favored in the East and San Jose and Chicago in the West but my sleeper picks are Buffalo in the East and Los Angeles in the West. No true Ranger fan wants to see the Blackhawks or any other original six team win. The Hawks are one year away from 50 consecutive years without a Stanley and Cup and the closest team near the Rangers 54 year record drought. We also do not want to see Brodeur carrying the cup again. Although if he does so this time they will need sharpshooters at the top of the "Rock" or as I like to call it "Prison" during the parade in Newark. I guess it is better than the parking lot in the Meadowlands!

The Rangers are Fading

A Devastating Loss

Tonight's loss to the Canadiens was a crushing defeat. In a another "must win" game the Rangers played with little emotion or urgency as they continue to be on the outside looking in.

As a Ranger die-hard for over 35 years this is typical of the history associated with this franchise. There are many heart-wrenching examples of disappointment and despair. Thank goodness for 1994!

But I still believe Sather has a plan for winning even though he has made some terrible free agent signings (Redden) and trades (Higgins) the youngsters in this organization are the future and keys to winning the Cup again.

There is a lot written about how underachieving the Rangers have been but very little about how young this team is. Dubsinsky (to me the future Captain of the team), Callahan, Staal, Girardi are all in their early 20's and the lineup has future rookie stars such as Del Zotto, Gilroy and Anisimov.

This young core talent will need time to experience winning and losing and it is up to Sather to stay the course and not trade this group of young talent. Adding the right veteran experience will be the key to turn this team into a winner. This year Gaborick was the major addition.

In conclusion, even if the Rangers do not make the playoffs this year do not despair. That is not the big picture in creating a winning team for the future. In the near future this team will win!