After seeing the first five minutes of tonight’s game, the very idea that the Rangers would come back, score 4 goals and nearly steal the game from the Mighty Mighty Red Wings was pretty improbable. But, the fairy tale was too good to be true. The wicked witches called a very weak “Too Many Men on the Ice” penalty. Detroit’s Jiri Hudler was able to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat for the Red Wings. I hope Mike Babcock remembers his manners and sends Messrs. McCreary and Kowal a thank you note.

Defeat aside, the Rangers were able to walk away from this weekend’s games with 3 out of 4 points. Not too shabby. And, line combinations are starting to find their level. I hope that Tom Renney will keep the speedy Gomez together with the youngers. Gomer doesn’t belong centering Naslund and Drury. You cannot argue that Gomer, together with his linemates tonight, Callahan and Dawes, were responsible for two of the four goals.

The line of Zherdev, Dubinsky and Voros had the other two goals tonight. They are consistent. Sjostrom, Betts and Orr are showing improvement and are getting the job done. Colton Orr has really upped his game from last season and Freddie Sjostrom is always a threat.

It raises the question as to why two of the most expensive players on the team, Drury and Naslund, are not getting it done.  I am willing to acknowledge that their lack of production is due to them playing with yet another winger, Korpikoski. I’ll give them a few more games to get it together. My patience with these two is starting to wear thin.

As for the Ranger defense, I wonder if they gave the correct directions to the Joe to Wade Redden? What is with this guy? He let Pavel Datsyuk dance past him to set up the Hossa’s game winning goal in overtime. Sure Callahan missed his check on Hossa but the only reason he made that shot was because Datsyuk was allowed to set him up. Redden more then needs to start earning his money. His play has been sloppy, inconsistent, tentative and sometimes shows what appears to be a lack of effort.  

Daniel Girardi has had a couple of poor games so far, characterized by weak play at his opponent’s blueline. He is looking Malik like. He must start making better decisions. Paul Mara has really upped the anti in his game. He is playing with passion, finishing checks, making hits and taking shots.  Michael Rosival has been playing pretty well coming back from the labrum surgery. He’s solid and is also taking shots. What can you say about the rock solid Marc Staal. Thank the hockey gods for this kid. Kalinin has been invisible.

The Rangers played the first five minutes of this game like deer caught in the headlights. The glare from all those Stanley Cup banners mesmerized them. They did wake up in time to get going. They were able to take the play to the Red Wings. In the end, spotting the Champs a two goal lead wasn’t the best of ideas.

Posted under New York Rangers