Rangers The Good, Bad and Ugly

October 23, 2009   ·   Derek Felix   ·   Jump to comments

Thus far, the Rangers have played 10 games, posting a solid 7-3-0 record with 14 points. Certainly a nice start even if they dropped the last two heading into Montreal for a HNIC Original Six battle. What may have looked like easy pickings no longer is with Les Habitants winning two straight with backup Jaroslav Halak in net. It’d be shocking if he didn’t start another tomorrow.

It also is a reunion of sorts with slumping Christopher Higgins returning while Scott Gomez faces his ex-teammates. Well, what’s left anyway. Paul Mara will also be on the opposite side in Habs colors as will former nemesis Brian Gionta. So, it should be interesting to say the least.

Facing their first obstacle, can Tort’s bunch respond? It’s not like they played bad against the Devils Thursday. Honestly, it could’ve gone either way and that was after a dreadful opening 20 that put them behind the eight ball. Such sluggish starts can’t be tolerated. Early on during the seven-game win streak, this faster and more skilled Blueshirt club set some good trends like being hard on the puck, attacking opponents while making wise choices in the neutral zone. They also stayed out of the box. Something which crept up and finally bit them in the rout to San Jose. At least last night, that wasn’t the case with only one minor taken which they killed off.

Discipline always goes hand in hand with success. Let’s see if they can fix a few minor details that prevented a possible win in time for the drop of the puck manana. With John Tortorella calling out Dan Girardi for some poor defensive work along with partner Marc Staal versus the Devils, let’s take a closer look at how they breakdown through 10:

THE GOOD

Offense. Offense. Offense. Due to the additions of Gabby, Prosp and Ales, the Rangers have prospered scoring 37 goals (3.7/gm) so far. Best aspect is not one game has required a shootout. Something we got sick during the Renney Era. Adding that kinda skill does that along with a much improved power play thanks to DZ’s brilliance. The 19 year-old pup shows tremendous poise, netting seven of his nine points on the PP. He also takes the body. The gift of Gab has been excellent with the ex-Wild star registering a point in nine of 10 with seven markers and 13 points. He has shown no ill effects yet of the groin. Pray it continues. Prospal has been a huge steal, jelling masterfully with The Big Ticket. We still aren’t fond of the three yrs Ales got but eight of 10 points on the PP along with earning more ice has him in our good graces. Dubi got out quick but has managed only one goal in the last eight which is why he’s been shifted to another line. Staal and Girardi have made strides pinching, adding offense. Even Tinman’s contributing. We also like Boyle, who brings Betts qualities but he has little balance. And Henrik’s been stellar. We’ll cut him some slack on Zubrus’ softy.

THE BAD

Cally always brings it. Great energy and leading the league in hits. But he can finish better than the two he’s got as can Dru. The captain’s played hard and wins most of the puck battles but he needs to start popping a few. Sensing a theme here? These are our second liners but right now, Tort’s shifted Dubi with Cally and Avery while putting Ales with Dru and Higgs. Remarkably, Marcel II has moved up to top line status. He’s shown signs and earned it but there’s a reason the ‘Yotes got rid of him. Avery btw has 5 Pts in 6 GP but has been fairly quiet. That must change.

THE UGLY

Higgs remains goalless and stuck on two measly assists with zilch the last eight. Yikes. Even worse, the Smithtown product is pressing and has stopped shooting. 19 SOG in 10 GP won’t cut it. Sure. He works hard and is a nice PKer. But we need him to contribute and soon. Maybe returning to Montreal will be a good omen cause it can’t get much worse. It’s getting to the point where they might have to scratch him. Alright. I loved Gil as much as anybody early but his play has really flat lined. Forget the plus-five because it’s misleading. The guy is playing soft. He’s getting caught a lot and doesn’t take the body. He needs to get back to being more aggressive. Oh. And offense would help a little cause he’s capable. 1 goal in 10 for Artie ain’t cutting it. The gifted Russian is too skilled not to have 3 or 4 by now. He needs more ice than the 7+ he got last night. Wtf? He had a couple of dangerous shifts and that’s all he gets? Paging Torts. Play him! Rozy = Epic Fail. Enough said. Brash started well but hasn’t been same since that fight with Colton. He must get back to being relentless on the forecheck. Stop fiddling. That’s not what you’re paid for. Voros tries but man is he a klutz. Vally was good versus Disney and brutal against the Sharks. You have to stop that off angle 35 footer up two.

My only other gripe is that this team never stands up for itself. Last night, the soft as molasses Brian Rolston got at our franchise. Sure. They pushed him away. Well, SCREW THAT! Next time, somebody better challenge him and hand a beatdown. If a freaking two bit scrub like Mike Mottau can stick up for himself versus Avery, then it’s high time one of our guys showed the same backbone. That’s the only way to earn respect in this league. Stand up and take it!