Okay – it’s
a tough loss – but not really – and here’s why.
Last year’s Rangers fell just short of winning it all – and what failed
them in the finals we not enough firepower (not enough goals). Well, this year – with Stepan back in the lineup
the Rangers scored 4 times – and as the season wears on – when we get our
defensemen back – and when Lundqvist is in the net – 4 goals will be more than
enough.
There is every reason to believe
the defense will get better – and no reason to think the offense will get
worse. Our good defenders are either
hurt (McDonagh, Boyle) or suspended (Moore) or overworked/exhausted right now
(Girardi, Staal). Put that together with
Cam Talbot in the net and you get – well, tonight you got 5 goals against. Is that likely to improve as we get healthy –
yes it is.
But what’s
really encouraging are the goals we’re scoring.
Line 1
scored – Nash’s league lead tying 11th of the season off a
beautiful behind-the-back assist for Little St. Louie (his 7th
assist).
And line 2 –
boosted by Stepan’s return - scored twice – one by Kreider in the game’s first
minute and a second by Mats Z at 19:20 of the first.
Line 3 – Hagelin
tallied one as well.
So it’s a
regulation loss – but the team, showed toughness and fight on the road and
nearly stole one before our depleted defensive core gave it all away.
What’s Next:
Well, for me – I’m going to bed – followed by a shower in the morning
and ... (Editor – I think this section is about what’s next for the Rangers)
(Dave Pucks – oh, right) The Rangers return to Madison Square Garden (which is
actually a non-square non-garden structure) for a 6pm Sunday home game verses
the Edmonton Oilers. See youse all then.
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