The Rangers are 1-2-1 for the season. It’s been four games, out of 82 total. Sure, the Rangers have some injuries, and some very tough injuries at that. But let’s remember, it’s been less than 5% of the season so far (4.8% to be exact). The Islanders are currently in first place in the Atlantic. The Devils are currently in last place. The Toronto Maple Leafs are undefeated after finished 29th last season. The Phoenix Coyotes are in last place. Brent Johnson leads the league in goaltender wins. Let’s put all of this in perspective for a second. It’s been four games.

Sure, the Rangers are beat up. Sure, the Rangers have looked awful for three games. It’s called adversity. Even the 1998 Yankees dealt with adversity, they started the season 1-4 before winning 125 games and the World Series. No, these Rangers are not the best team in hockey, but they are not the worst team either. Did you really think the Rangers would go 82-0? 81-1? As impressive as that win against Buffalo was, the Rangers were never going to dominate like that, especially with the injuries.

But yet, everyone and their mother is jumping ship. Let’s go over the ridiculousness I’ve seen on Twitter and in comments, with my reaction in bold:

  • Boogaard won’t fight. It’s been four games.
  • Grachev is a bust. He’s TWENTY.
  • The Rangers need Kovalev. AGAIN?!?!
  • I want Betts back. I thought we covered this last year?
  • Why isn’t Valentenko on the roster? Because he wasn’t ready?
  • This team can’t score. Neither can you.
  • This team can’t play defense. Neither can you.
  • Stepan fizzled out already. Ok, I didn’t see this one yet, but I get the feeling it’s coming.

The point here is to relax. Every team goes through this. Are the Rangers a Cup contender? No. They never were, even after all that excitement after the Buffalo game. Let’s all take a step back, and realize that the Rangers are a #8 seed at best this season. You cannot fix a team in one year, it’s impossible. The Penguins needed six years, the Caps needed five years, the Hawks needed seven years. It takes time. If you really want the Rangers to trade for a scorer, why not just wait until next year when Chris Kreider makes the team. He will be that complement to Marian Gaborik that the Rangers need. As for defense, the team has it, it just needs to grow and learn and develop. Patience is key. I feel it’s a lost art amongst many though.

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