Monday, November 10, 2008

Consistently Inconsistent

In the early going the Rangers have played a season that resembles more the ride Kingda Ka than anything close to even-keeled play. Prime examples are their last 2 games; a 5-2 drubbing of Tampa Bay (although King Hank was the difference maker in that game which could have easily been a much closer) followed by a let-down in D.C. against The Capitals. The team has created a Jekyll and Hyde effect; some games playing with tenacity and fire; aggressive to the puck and other games laid-back, being beaten to pucks, and an unwillingness to get their hands dirty. Tom Renney's top priority will be to discover the medium between the 2 extremes and quickly; it is his job after all.

Some quick hits...

- Explain to me where in the NHL rule books it states players are allowed free runs at the goaltenders with no consequence. Alexander Semin's collision into Lundqvist during Saturday night's game was not called when replays show Semin make no attempt to avoid the collision. The game was chock full of missed calls (Caps second goal came with the net definitively off its moorings, a no-no) and shoddy officiating. The highlight was Lundqvist skating all the way to center ice to argue with the refs... classic.

- In following with Washington's penchant for taking liberties on Saturday, no Rangers player felt the need to stick up for their goaltender? A taste of ungratefulness if you ask me, considering Henrik Lundqvist, not the defense, is the main reason why the Rangers have won games this year.

- I honestly feel for Petr Prucha. It must kill him inside to try so hard and not be rewarded then punished for his lack of production. The best solution for him is to GET OUT OF NY and on to another team to play quality minutes. A change of scenery; where have we heard that idea before? hmm...

Next game is tonight vs Edmonton 7pm



Until next time...

J.W.

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