37-26-9: Rangers Get Electrocuted

Ah, two games against two terrible teams and the Rangers skate away with exactly zero points. The 3-0 loss to Tampa Bay is something they will need to take as a learning experience: you can't underestimate opponents, especially those with nothing to lose - a lesson they should have learned already but I guess their arrogance kept them from accepting. The offense barely skated and missed chance after chance - hell, Tampa looked like they were trying to lose the game and the Blueshirts couldn't put the puck. The defense was close to the worse that it has been all year missing coverage assignments, allowing the Bolts to do whatever they wanted and taking stupid penalties. And the goaltending? Well, I had been all ready to jump all over Renney for playing Hank but he played some of his best hockey in months. He was great. Everyone else? Blech.

*That starts with the captain. All of you apologists who leap to his defense every time I say something negative about him can not deny that Jagr missed at least four prime scoring chances in the game. He got himself into prime positions and blew them. In a game where the team is lagging, the superstar needs to shine and he didn't - he was just as bad as the rest of them. And he had the nerve to tell the AP that Tampa "had nothing to lose. Skating up and down, they had more scoring chances than us.” Do you think Mark Messier would let the Rangers sleepwalk through a game like this? I don't think so.

*Remember Mike Smith? He stopped 39 shots when he beat us with Dallas earlier this year. He used his size to his advantage then as he did tonight. Unlike that evening, Smith took more liberties in this one but was lucky that the Rangers were too incompetent to take advantage of them. He made all of 20 saves in this one and nearly had an empty net goal.

*Power play goes 0-3 ... no surprise there at this point.

*I was at work for the first two periods and at a bar for the third so I didn't hear much of the game. I did get to catch Sam making the outrageous nomination of Colton Orr for the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award. And, of course, that idiot monkey Micheletti agreed. There are a number of good guys that are deserving (I voted for Shanny) but Orr isn't one. He is an enforcer that doesn't discourage the other teams from going after Jagr or crashing the net. He is also -13 with two points and 18 fighting majors, at least 10 of which were meaningless tussles with other goons.

*The inadequacies of the Blueshirt blueline were numerous. Rozy was terrible, Marc Staal had one of his worse games, Girardi looked uncertain, and Backman ... well I think I am going to stop calling him Wally. The real Wally Backman was a productive baseball player before flushing his life away and this Backman has produced nothing. He is incapable of playing a tough game, incapable of playing a smart game, and unworthy of the uniform.

*Renney's stubborn attachment to the current lines has to change. I said yesterday that Prucha needed to play - something I stand by - and I have said numerous times that Sjostrom needs to get more ice time. He was one of the few Rangers who pressed the action and he saw less than eight minutes of ice time. Meanwhile Marty Straka was nearly invisible and logged more than 14.

*PHW Three Stars
3-Hank - 27 saves.
2-Jeff Halpern - one assist.
1-Mike Smith - 20 save shutout.

Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Mathieu Darch/Vinny Levacalier - both were constant threats on the ice that sent the Rangers back deep into their own zone. Darche was wily and quick, and Vinny was a horse.
2-Hank - he played great with little to no help all night long and kept the Rangers in a game they should have lost 7-0.
1-Dan Boyle - the guy played more than 30 minutes - he was on the ice for more than half the game. No wonder Tampa decided he was more important than pretty boy Richards. Boyle's performance really makes me hope that Bobby Sanguinetti proves to be the real thing. I hate putting unfair pressure on the kids but the hole on defense is just getting bigger and bigger.

 Lightning Strikes: Rangers Get Electrocuted in Tampa Bay

The New York Rangers have faced numerous challenges throughout their storied history. In the 2022-2023 season, they found themselves facing a formidable opponent in the Tampa Bay Lightning. This article delves into the electrifying matchup between the two teams, offering insights into key moments, standout performances, and the lessons the Rangers can take away from their encounter with the reigning Stanley Cup champions.

FAQ 1: What Made the Tampa Bay Lightning a Formidable Foe?

The Tampa Bay Lightning have established themselves as one of the NHL's powerhouse teams in recent years. They possess a combination of skill, depth, and experience that makes them a tough matchup for any opponent. Key factors contributing to their dominance include:

Offensive Prowess: The Lightning boast a high-scoring offense led by superstars like Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point.

Goaltending Excellence: Andrei Vasilevskiy, often considered the best goaltender in the league, provides a strong last line of defense.

Championship Experience: Having won back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021, the Lightning are battle-tested and know what it takes to win.

FAQ 2: What Were the Highlights of the Rangers vs. Lightning Series?

The Rangers vs. Lightning series was filled with memorable moments:

High-Scoring Affairs: Several games in the series featured a flurry of goals, showcasing the offensive firepower of both teams.

Overtime Thrillers: Multiple games went into overtime, including a double-overtime clash that had fans on the edge of their seats.

Standout Performances: Players like Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad showcased their offensive prowess, while Igor Shesterkin made remarkable saves in goal.

Physical Play: The series also saw its fair share of physicality, with both teams engaging in hard-fought battles along the boards.

FAQ 3: What Can the Rangers Learn from This Series?

While the Rangers ultimately fell to the Lightning, there are valuable lessons to be gleaned from the experience:

Experience Matters: The Lightning's championship experience highlighted the importance of having seasoned players who can perform under pressure.

Special Teams: Improving penalty killing and power play effectiveness can be a game-changer in playoff matchups.

Depth Matters: Building depth throughout the roster ensures that injuries or fatigue won't be insurmountable obstacles.

Mental Toughness: Postseason success often hinges on mental resilience and the ability to bounce back from adversity.

: A Bright Future Ahead

The New York Rangers may have been "electrocuted" by the Tampa Bay Lightning in this particular series, but the experience gained will serve them well in the seasons to come. With a talented roster, a passionate fan base, and a commitment to improvement, the Rangers are well-positioned to continue their journey toward championship glory. As the NHL evolves, so too will the Rangers, and their electrifying encounters on the ice will undoubtedly continue to captivate fans in New York and beyond.