Could anyone tell me why John Tortorella benched Ales Kotalik for most of the game last night? First Sean Avery, then Brandon Dubinsky, Enver Lisin, Brian Boyle, Michael Rozsvial and now Ales Kotalik have all had their turns in Tortorella’s’ Chateau Bow Wow during his tenure. To date, these scratches and benchings have had little or no positive effect on this team. In fact, Tort’s method of exacting accountability seems to have had nothing but a deleterious effect.

With 6 goals, 12 assists and 18 points on the season Kotalik is tied for second highest goal scorer on the team with Vinney Prospal. Okay so Ales is a -12 and Vinnie a +6. Vinnie got most of his goals playing with Gaborik. Kotalik has scored his goals while being bounced around from pillar to post with a host of different linemates. A -12 still doesn’t justify Kotalik’s benching when Chris Higgins is a -10 with 2 goals and 5 assists for 7 points on the season.

Tom Renney lost last year’s team because he wanted them to play a boring, defensive style of hockey. How soon before Torts loses this team because he vindictively benches key players while rewarding the undeserving with ice time. Renney was lambasted because of his chopping  and changing of lines. He was vilified for having no ability to make in game adjustments. Torts has been guilty of both these things. How long before the “Fire Torts” chants ring from the rafters of Madison Square Garden?

There were many disappointed and unhappy campers at the Garden last night. Once the mob mentality starts to take over, it will get pretty ugly. Don’t get me wrong. I am not espousing the idea that John Tortorella should be fired. We all know it’s Glen Sather who should be fired. But John doesn’t make it easy on himself  by benching his more productive players and not accepting any blame for the disgraceful state the Rangers find themselves in.

If he hasn’t already inexorably alienated his players, Torts need to settle things down. He needs to  keep his lines together so they can achieve some chemistry. He needs to insist that his players hit harder, finish all their checks and lay the body on the competition.  Tortorella needs to realize that his players aren’t his toys. They are a group of young players that need to be led, not babysat.

The Rangers are at .500 with one third of the season in the books. It’s Decmeber 1 , not March 1.  Now is not the time to panic. There is still enough time to right the ship and achieve chemistry. Let’s hope Torts and the team uses this four day break productively and address their problems constructively.

And for God sake stop the booing. When you boo the whole team you are breaking down the psyche of Gaborik and kids like Anisimov, Del Zotto and Gilroy. They don’t deserve that, regardless of what you think of the others. It’s not productive.

Posted under New York Rangers