Thoughts and Musings

Thoughts and Musings, coming from me and I’m not in a very good mood. You may detect this mood in the post. If not, lucky you.

The Rangers were poor. As I was watching the game, I actually said to myself within 15 minutes that this had Buffalo shutout written all over it. This team’s ability to be so offensively inconsistent is frustrating.

On that consistency; it’s one thing not to score goals from time to time but the way the club can play the right way one game and then stay completely on the periphery the next – that is unacceptable. Crash the net, go to the dangerous areas – these things aren’t rocket science even if Buffalo did a good job getting in the way, blocking passing lanes etc.

Avery had his most minutes in quite some time, deservedly so, but still did not get enough. He was making an impact yet still got just 10 minutes. Tort’s needs to unleash Avery against the Isles.

If Wolski and Christensen play like they did last night, one of them will not (should not) be a Ranger next season – at least one of them.

Can you imagine Lundqvist’s numbers if he ‘just’ had consistent goal support from this team? If this team wasn’t at times all or nothing offensively, Lundqvist would have the Vezina wrapped up. He’d likely have another 5 wins on top of what he has.

Vezina or no Vezina – I firmly believe all things considered (age, experience, CV, temperament) Lundqvist is the best goaltender in the NHL. Plenty of worthy pretenders to the throne but no one offers the track record or presence or future that the Swede gives the Rangers.

Music: I woke up listening to Appetite, Guns N Roses best album. Maybe that’s why I am in a bad mood? Regardless, it’s a hell of a rock album, one of the best of all time. I love the snarl, the anger and the quality from start to finish.

Marian Gaborik was good last night; much more involved and more active etc. But looking at his shooting, his finishing; he looks like he’s lacking confidence. I think that has something to do with his line’s frequent recent benchings for ‘defensive inadequacies’. I’ll always disagree with Torts on this. You don’t bench you’re one true elite scorer. You ride through the good and the bad because of what he can potentially bring to the table. I think these benchings have affected him.

The Isles game will be an interesting one tonight. They need to pick themselves up against a team that is always hungry against their rivals. Personally I want to see hunger, aggression and a willingness to get back to the dirty areas whatever the cost. Regardless though – it’s a must win.

Rangers are 8^th but no need to panic. Just get back to being their usual selves (which they weren’t last night). Is it possible Montreal slides right out of the top 8? I certainly think so as Carolina look good. I still think the Rangers get in.

I really, really wish the Rangers somehow managed to trade up to get Jeff Skinner – no offence meant to Dylan Mcilrath.

The most frustrating thing about the loss last night? It means a lost opportunity to give Lundqvist a rest and at some point he’s going to need one.