This is not what anyone expected.
The New York Rangers were given a window this season to go to the next level and possibly compete for the Stanley Cup.
Unfortunately, the disciplined team, which everyone was expecting and renewed the faith of the Garden is nowhere to be found. What we are seeing is a squad in chaos as three very tough games come on the schedule this week. The defense is bad, the sophomore goalie is looking mortal and the star player claims he can't shoot.
Better to struggle a little now then have it fall apart as teams tighten up near the end of the season. As long as they start to address the outstanding problems through call-ups or sending folks down to Hartford, getting more disciplined, and maybe playing some defense it will all work out.
At least, I sure hope it does.
The problem with sending people to Hartford is that they'd have to clear waivers. The short conditioning stints (like they sent Kaspar on) don't involve waivers but they also don't free up a roster spot to call someone up.
Though I agree that dealing with this stuff now isn't all and out a bad thing, nor is it time to call it a season based on their inconsistent play in just a few games. Better to suffer through this stuff now then in december/january when you're on the bubble like Rangers fans have seen all too often in the last decade.
Hey at least Jagr's back on top of the scoring leaders with 18 points as of this comment. It's a long season besides remember all they gotta do is make the playoffs. Don't write them off so early on.
Exactly what Mike says... all the they have to do is make the playoffs. Look at us(Edmonton Oilers): we were the 8th seed in the Western Conference, won the Conference, then made it all the way to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup!! The first this has ever been done by ANY team!
Don't loose faith in the Rangers... they are a good bunch of kids that just need some disipline and they'll be back on their game, causing havoc across the League, and I'm sure will be in the Playoffs. I didn't loose faith in my team last year, and look where it got us!!
See you there. :-)
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