Whats really, really good Rangers fans?
How about one of the hottest starts in recent memory. The Rangers are out of the gate quickly and, because they manage to keep registering points, have kept me from being too overly critical. However, now 8 games into the season there are already signs of lingering problems that Tom Renny and the coaching staff cannot seem to rectify. Let's start with the obvious - mental errors and an anemic power play. The absence of Jamir Jagr had many, including myself, believing that the team's defensemen would freely throw the puck to the net during man advantages. Unfortunately, this has not been the case. The Rangers continue to register low shot totals on the power play, not to mention the lack of clear scoring chances. On the flip side, their penalty kill is still a quality unit, but not when overused through terrible mental mistakes that result in awful power play opportunities for the opposition. The Rangers continue to take horrific penalties in the offensive zone, the kind of forechecking calls that demonstrate a lack of discipline as well as the markings of a team being outworked for the puck. Usually, these types of calls have come on the heels of neutral zone giveaways that continue to highlight the Rangers inability to sustain the type of puck possession that leads to quality rushes and scoring chances. And on and on goes the Tom Renny era of defensive minded hockey.....
The 6-1-1 record does not reflect these errors because of the softness of the Ranger schedule. Now, let's not take anything away from the Rangers either, they have still had to play and win the games and the positive spin on this is that they have beaten the teams that they should beat. However, the back to back games against Tampa Bay are a wash because they are, what many experts say, are the worst team in hockey and the game against Chicago should be discounted because they are already hitting the panic button by firing their head coach. Both the Devil and Flyer games were moderately impressive. Regardless of Philly's slow start and the Devils anemic offense it's tough to play within the division and in the case of the Flyer game, on the road. The Sabres game is disappointing to me because of the way it unfolded. Having been outplayed for two periods they were lucky to be down a goal heading into the third period. The Rangers come out on the power play and give up an awful shorthanded goal to Vanek. Terrible hockey. Again, poor decisions with a man advantage lead to a giveaway and a defensive breakdown from a "defensively minded" club.
Everything the Rangers did wrong against the Sabres, they did right against the Maple Leafs. With another stellar performance from back-up net minder Steve Valiquette the Rangers were solid defensively, limited mistakes, and gave themselves a chance to win - which they did. There is no question that when the defense is on, it's shut down.
Finally, we come to the game in Detroit. A fair performance. Going down big early, first 2-0 and then 3-1 the Rangers showed great resolve by getting the game into overtime and salvaging a point from a superior team. Yes, as hard as it is for me to say, the Red Wings again look sharp and well constructed. For the Rangers to go into Detroit and play the defending Stanley Cup champions (who haven't lost a beat and been able to add Marion Hossa to an incredible scoring offense) was a very impressive showing. Again, they gave themselves a chance to win, which, in the National Hockey League, is half the battle.
Tonight is an interesting match-up with the Stars. It's Sean Avery's return to the Garden and a tricky game for the Rangers who will play their seventh game in eleven days. Should be a lot of fun.
Check back in later in the week for some player by player performance ratings and as always - GO RANGERS!
Keywords: New York Rangers, NHL
