Rangers Recap: Embarrassed beyond be-Leaf

What has been the theme in Ranger losses this season? It isn’t one goal games, that’s for sure, no–it’s absolute kick-in-the-groin type beatdowns where the Rangers seem to get embarrassed in losses. It was no different last night, even if we had a feeling this game was going to be an adventure.

The Leafs scored pretty quick, only minutes in to the first period on a great shot by Auston Matthews. He wasn’t the only Maple Leaf star player to torch Igor Shesterkin either. Mitch Marner had 2 goals, William Nylander had 2 assists, and the Rangers defense was doing nothing about it.

Igor, however, let in some incredibly soft non-Igor like goals. It is becoming quite scary how often this is happening this season, though you rather this happen now than in May. With little to no response except for a quick 2 goal burst in the second period to make it a one-goal game, the Rangers were a nothing burger in this game.

One of the few positives out of the game was Blake Wheeler, who got going with 2 goals. That’s the Blake Wheeler of old, it was nice to see. Obviously we are not dealing with prime Blake Wheeler in a Rangers jersey night after night, but there is still a player there, and much to the chagrin of many Rangers fans, I think he’s been just fine for his price point.

If Wheeler wasn’t making league minimum, then the frustration would be warranted. He’s lost a step, and the Rangers never intended to use him on the top line. But until Kaapo Kakko comes back, or the Rangers make a move to address their RW depth, he’s what they have. It’s not his fault injuries have forced him into a top-six role, something that was never intended to happen.

K’Andre Miller’s absence was felt during the game. Miller, much like his partner Jacob Trouba, are polarizing defenders amongst the Ranger fanbase. K’Andre’s strength in being able to exit the zone with the puck was really missing last night. I was hoping that Erik Gustafsson woud be fine, but he had what was probably the worst game of his Rangers tenure thus far.

No one looked comfortable during the game, everyone looked out of sorts. K’Andre Miller for his flaws, is still an incredible defenseman and probably the best pure athlete on the backend. Hopefully he will not be out long. The Rangers are in a rut and they need to snap out of it pretty fast.