I think Adams Graves is very deserving of the honor he received last night in having his number retired. I also hope that this retirement ceremony will bring to a close this organization’s preoccupation with 1994. Yes, I will be forever grateful to all the players, coaches and management that brought the Stanley Cup back to the Rangers after 54 years. But, almost fifteen years have passed since then. It is time to move on.

There’s only one problem with moving on. Bad times have befallen the New York Rangers. Despite hanging on to second position in the Atlantic Division and fifth overall in the Conference, the team’s failure to score goals is eating away at their position in the standings.

It has also baited that  bloodthirsty segment of the fan base. When things haven’t gone according to the wishes of some impatient and petulant fans, their response is to call for trades or heads to roll.  Tom Renney’s head is at the top of their list. He’s been there since February of 2006. 

If you have been reading this blog for the last few years, you know that I respect and appreciate all Tom Renney has done for this franchise during his tenure. However, after watching last night’s poor showing, I am at a loss to explain why this team cannot score goals. When all is said and done, I still contend that it’s the players.

Somewhere and at some point in past games this season, they did something right.  Granted, the powerplay has never really worked. But every time this team takes one step forward, they take one or two back.  The last time the Rangers played a complete game, having the better of the play, was two weeks ago against the Ducks.

The Detroit Red Wings slumped in January. It was my fault. After I saw them play the Kings in LA, they went on a five game losing streak. That streak ended Monday with a 4-3 shoot out victory over St Louis. In a post game interview, Nik Lidstrom attributed the losing streak to Detroit’s failure to play tighter team defense.

How ironic. The Rangers lose because they cannot score and the Red Wings lose because the need to play better defensively. Not that I would deign to compare the Red Wings to the Rangers. They have the fire power. We have the goal tending.  

Whether a team wins by 2 goals or in a shoot out, two points is two points. It isn’t always going to be exciting, it isn’t always going to be pretty. Save for last night, the Rangers are pretty much beating the teams they should be beating this season.

 I will continue to save my rancor for those players who have been phoning in games. Redden, Gomez, Drury come immediately to mind. I hope that the right line combinations will be found and that something will click for this team, and their coaches.

Rangers January Record

 

 

 

Posted under New York Rangers