I didn't get a chance to watch the majority of last nights game - I was in the car for Naslund's goal and I spent a majority of the next two periods doing menial tasks and writing emails. It looked decent enough for my liking considering the fact that the Rangers were coming off a stretch of 7 games in 11 days.
The Rangers continue their offensive struggles against quality competition. I don't like the fact that Chris Drury seems to be uninvolved in the Ranger offense. This is perhaps the most telling statistic of the year for the Rangers. His lack of production directly correlates to the inconsistency in the Ranger offense. Drury's career has been a product of right place, right time meaning that he has made a living banging home loose rebounds and creating problems for defenses in front of the net. His lack of production points to the overall lack of scoring opportunities produced by the team. The absence of Jagr was supposed to generate a quick paced game that resulted in young speedsters flying to the net and creating chances. Thus far, this type of game has not been played. Perhaps the offensive units need to come into their own, maybe Tom Renny's defensive brand of hockey is limiting scoring, whatever the case may be Drury needs to be involved.
Overall, last night's game was a solid effort from a tired team. The Rangers get a three day lay-off before resuming against the Jackets in Columbus. Following that game the Blueshirts get tested by the Pens and Isles.
See you next time.
Keywords: Chris Drury, New York Rangers, NHL
