McIlrath mayn ot ready for prime time but his skill set is sorely needed. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

McIlrath may not be ready for prime time but his type of skill set is sorely needed. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Sometimes you have to live with the growing pains while some teams traditionally have slow starts and if you want prospects on the roster you have to endure the inconsistencies that accompany them. However, the sudden lack of depth the Rangers have on defense is an issue that might need resolving with acquiring help from outside of the organisation rather than turning to a prospect.

The Rangers defense, thus far, has looked completely inept. Countless blown assignments, a lack of physicality and terrible positioning in their own zone; the Rangers defense has been highlighted by a boat load of errors in the first three games. Even before Dan Boyle got injured in game one, the Rangers defense had its struggles. In game one it was the inability to get out of their own zone effectively.

The Rangers bottom pairing needs addressing and despite a respectable first game, Matt Hunwick is not the answer. Players such as Hunwick and Mike Kostka are stop gaps. They are not ‘plug in and play’ types that add competence to a unit long term. The Rangers can (and will) stop the bleeding despite Dan Boyle’s absence but even with Boyle this unit has its flaws that will need addressing.

Trust that Alain Vigneault will address the sloppiness sooner rather than later. Last year’s beginning was an even worse start and that edition of the Rangers turned their issues around and put in a hugely successful season. One other problem to consider amid this sloppy start is that if the forward unit is to continue to rely on its speed and skating ability – and guys such as Ryan Malone aren’t going to be utilized – then physicality needs to come from somewhere. It needs to start on the blueline.

The Rangers are quick, they are talented offensively and have depth on the wings but this team does not scare anyone and at some stage players need to be scared to park themselves in front of Henrik Lundqvist. They also need to know that they will pay the price if they skate into Ranger territory with their head down. The freedom the Leafs enjoyed right in front of Lundqvist was unforgiveable. While communication breakdowns and positional gaffes are rectifiable a lack of nastiness is only rectifiable with external help when you remember the organisations only realistic internal option – Dylan McIlrath – simply isn’t ready.

No team loses anything after three games and the Rangers fan base has no need to edge toward the cliff anytime soon but the Rangers would be well advised to keep an eye on the market for blueliners over the next few weeks. The team has little cap space but Glen Sather has always shown creativity in the trade market. Assume the Rangers get to the playoffs and have similar ambitions as last year. They will need more physicality on the blueline. If week one of the season has taught us anything it is that the Rangers need to get nastier, more physical and less timid.

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