22-19-7: Mediocrity

When talking about the Rangers tonight with my friend Andrea, I was quite disgusted and bluntly said that "we suck."

She replied that no, "even worse, we're mediocre."

And that is completely true, and completely saddening. The Rangers aren't a good team but they aren't a bad team. There is the talent there to win a string of games and revive your faith, but there is also little heart and dedication to keep that string going. It has been the same for years where the team overspends just enough to ensure they can't rebuild with top draft picks and overspends on just the wrong players so there is no chemistry and the house of cards falls apart far before the Finals. So very sad, so very Rangers.

This night marked the second straight game where the Blueshirts were beaten by a desperate young team that worked harder than they did, as the Rangers lost 4-1 to the St. Louis Blues. Notes:

*Question for you: your team has pulled the goaltender and is down two goals. Do you a) put in the player who had the top chances all night long or b) put in your defensive specialist captain with one goal in his last 11 games?

*Brian Boyle's goal is the epitome of why Los Angeles Kings fans hate him. He has the ability to spin off a check, take a pass with the softest of hands and snap it into the goal and yet he can only pull it off once every 30, 40 games. At the same time, he is listed as having gone 0-10 in the faceoff circle on the Event Summary.

*Prior to the game Ales Kotalik told Andrew Gross that he had "no explanation" why he would possibly have been scratched. Hopefully he got that explanation from watching Enver Lisin. Lisin took Kotalik's spot and played with all of the heart and effort that has been completely lacking from Kotalik. Lisin used his assets to his advantage, getting scoring chances and drawing a penalty. Kotalik has rarely been anything more than a detriment to the team.

*As for the other sub, Aaron Voros also played like he wanted to stay in the starting lineup. If he can maintain that level of physicality, there is no reason for Donald Brashear to ever pull on a Blueshirt again.

*Chad "DosNueve" Johnson really had a good game. Sure Alex Steen's goal wasn't pretty but it wasn't like it was entirely the goaltender's fault. Steen skated into the zone, behind the net and back out again without a single Ranger getting within two feet of him. It was embarrassing watching the Rangers watch Thomas' kid score that one. The other two goals weren't DosNueve's fault as there was no stopping the one-timer and the second shot deflected in off a Ranger.

*John Tortorella keeps juggling the lines but hasn't separated Vinny Prospal and Marian Gaborik yet. It is a move I would definitely try seeing as both are struggling to find their 2009 form. Wish I knew where Gabby's lightning-fast shot release has gone but he needs to find it ASAP.

*Michal Rozsival, who I have admitted is playing quite well of late, earned all sorts of respect. Rozy got ran right into the stanchion, needed help getting to the locker room but sacked up and came back. And he came back and played great with two defensive stops that I saw as well as an actual check and even a good shot on goal. I may even pull my Rozsival sweater out of the closet to wear to the Garden for tonight's game.

*No Peepin' Foes for this evening's match against the Canadiens (7 pm, MSG). They are 2-1-1 in their last four but will be coming off of a 4-2 loss to the Senators Saturday. Jesus Price played net so Jaro Halak will likely get the start in the Garden. The MexiCan't Gomez has points in each of the last four games (one goal and four assists) and has 14 points in his last 11. Can't wait to boo him, but look forward to applauding Paul Mara.

*PHW Three Stars
3-T.J. Oshie - one assist.
2-Alex Steen - one goal and one assist.
1-Roman Polak - one goal and one assist.

Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Lisin - Best Ranger on the ice, for better or worse.
2-Polak - On a night where MDZ and Hobey combined for zero shots, seeing a young defenseman star for the other team was quite disappointing.
1-Keith Tkachuk - No front teeth, no fear. A veteran leader that grabbed a pair of assists and dominated at the dot. Makes you hate Drury just that much more.

22-19-7: Mediocrity and the Quest for Excellence

The New York Rangers find themselves at 22-19-7, a record that falls squarely into the realm of mediocrity in the National Hockey League (NHL). In this article, we'll explore what mediocrity means for the Rangers, the factors contributing to their current record, and the potential pathways to excellence.

Understanding the 22-19-7 Record

In the context of the NHL, a 22-19-7 record signifies a team that has won 22 games, lost 19, and secured 7 additional points through overtime or shootout losses. While this record places the Rangers in a competitive position within their conference, it's not a standout performance. Mediocrity in sports often denotes a team that is neither exceptionally successful nor exceptionally unsuccessful. For the Rangers, it's a reflection of their ability to win some games but struggle to consistently dominate their opponents.

Factors Contributing to Mediocrity

Several factors can contribute to a team's mediocre performance:

1. Inconsistent Scoring:

One of the most common reasons for mediocrity is an inconsistent ability to score goals. While the Rangers have offensive talent, their scoring has been streaky, with games where they light up the scoreboard followed by matches where they struggle to find the back of the net.

2. Defensive Challenges:

A strong defense is often the backbone of a winning team. The Rangers have faced challenges in maintaining a tight defensive structure, which has resulted in goals against and put additional pressure on their goaltenders.

3. Goaltending Woes:

Goaltending is a critical position in hockey, and fluctuations in performance from netminders can significantly impact a team's fortunes. The Rangers have seen moments of brilliance from their goalies, but also moments of inconsistency.

4. Special Teams:

Special teams play, including power plays and penalty kills, can be the difference-maker in many games. The Rangers' special teams performance has been a mixed bag, impacting their ability to secure victories.

5. Injuries and Roster Changes:

Every team deals with injuries and changes to their roster, but how a team adapts to these challenges can make a significant difference. The Rangers have faced their share of injuries, affecting their lineup and chemistry on the ice.

The Quest for Excellence

While a 22-19-7 record may represent mediocrity, it doesn't define the Rangers' entire season. There's still ample opportunity to strive for excellence and improve their standing. Here are some pathways to achieve that:

1. Consistency in Scoring:

Finding consistency in scoring can make a world of difference. The Rangers need to capitalize on offensive opportunities and maintain pressure on their opponents.

2. Defensive Solidity:

Strengthening their defensive play, from minimizing turnovers to improving positioning, can help the Rangers reduce goals against and make games more manageable.

3. Goaltender Confidence:

Building the confidence of their goaltenders is crucial. Goaltenders often thrive on a sense of security, and a consistent defensive effort in front of them can boost their performance.

4. Special Teams Excellence:

Improving special teams, both power plays and penalty kills, can turn close losses into wins. Special teams coaching and player execution are key areas to address.

5. Depth and Adaptability:

Developing depth throughout the roster and the ability to adapt to injuries and lineup changes is essential. Successful teams can adjust to adversity and continue to compete at a high level.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does a 22-19-7 record mean for the Rangers' playoff hopes?

While it's not an ideal record, the Rangers are still in contention for a playoff spot. Their performance in the second half of the season will be critical.

2. Are there standout players who have contributed to the Rangers' record?

Yes, there are standout players who have made significant contributions, but achieving consistency across the roster is essential.

3. Can coaching changes impact the team's performance?

Coaching changes can have an impact, but it often takes time for new systems and strategies to fully integrate and yield results.

4. What's the fan sentiment surrounding the Rangers' current season?

Fan sentiment varies, but many fans are eager to see the team elevate its performance and compete at a higher level.

5. What are the next steps for the Rangers in their quest for excellence?

The next steps include addressing weaknesses, improving consistency, and working collectively towards a more successful second half of the season.

In conclusion, a 22-19-7 record may represent mediocrity, but it doesn't define the New York Rangers' entire season. With adjustments, improvements, and a commitment to excellence, they have the potential to turn things around and make a significant impact as the season progresses. The quest for excellence is an ongoing journey in the world of sports, and Rangers fans hope to see their team rise to the challenge.