I hate leaving games early. It’s a sign of disrespect to my team. I have only ever left one Ranger game early to attend a wedding. Tonight I decided to make an exception to that rule. We left after Carolina scored their third goal. It was time to cut bait and catch the 9:16.

The Rangers came out flat and the nail was put in the coffin at the end of the first period when Carolina scored late. The Rangers looked like a high colonic wouldn’t have gone amiss during the first intermission.

The Rangers played better in the second period but couldn’t get the few quality shots they managed past Cam Ward. They did not play the same offenseive game they played against the Islanders and Ottawa and their defensive game fell apart as well.

The powerplay was back to being nonexistant again. Lundqvist can’t bitch much because he looked pedestrian at best and should have had the Walter goal at the very least. The penalty kill was okay. They just couldn’t play with Carolina at even strength. The mind boggles.

The lesson the Rangers need to learn tonight is how to come back and not fold up like a cheap suitcase if they are down by two. The also need to know if they want the fans to stay, they’ve got to play.

I have a feeling this might be the first true mulligan of the season but I’m afraid it won’t be the last.