Jacket-less: Rangers Explode in 7-4 Drubbing of Columbus

Post-Game Thoughts:

• Who are you and what did you do with the real Rangers? A 7 goal outburst? It may seem like impostors since Rangers’ fans are not used to so much offense in one night.
• The same question can be asked for the Blue Jackets who, after getting a 2-0 lead, gave up 7 unanswered. Although, this is the same team last lost to Detroit 9-1 a couple weeks back.
• Say what you want but John Tortorella called the timeout at the perfect time in this game. Had he not, the Rangers could have sunken even further. The :30 second break plus Gaborik’s goal ignited the team.
• Nice to see Sean Avery pot 2 goals. Hopefully it’ll inspire the “Grate One’ to return to full form.
• With Brian Leetch in attendance, both Matt Gilroy and Michael Del Zotto scored Leetch-like goals, putting a smile on the Hall of Famer’s face. The future back line of the Rangers looks very bright.
• Lost in the shuffle; Artem Anisimov 1g 2a and P.A. Parenteau 2a (including a nifty backhand soft pass to open ice, springing Gilroy for his breakway goal). But, Parenteau’s has to bury his breakaway chance and not whiff on the shot.
• Rangers’ defensive zone breakdowns in coverage are still a cause for concern.
• Christopher Higgins might have found a home on the 1st line with Gaborik and Prospal.

Next Game: Beginning of a 3-game road trip Wednesday night in Florida against the Panthers 7:30pm start.