Even with the Rangers suffering last night’s 9-2 humiliation at the hands of the Sharks, we honor rookie prime performer Tomas Hertl in the return of Video Of Day. The 19-year old Czech became the first teenager to score four goals in a game since Jimmy Carson, who did it for the Kings on March 20, 1988. His four goal performance matched Owen Nolan’s franchise mark set on Dec. 19, 1995. In fact, Hertl’s six markers are the most for a new Shark in their first three games.

Making it extra special is that he accomplished the remarkable feat in front of his Mom and girlfriend, who got an early Halloween treat at HP Pavilion. They had plenty of reason to cheer and hug after Hertl’s hat trick followed by goal number 4. It was the fourth one that was most memorable with the 2012 first round pick (17th overall) beating Ranger backup Marty Biron with a trick shot between his legs. A magnificent explanation point. It’s amazing that he even tried that during play, speaking to how overmatched the Rangers defense was. In particular, the top pair of Ryan McDonagh and Dan Girardi, who were victimized on three of the four. Twice, they allowed Hertl to sneak behind them. On the third, McDonagh was caught in a two on one down low. On Hertl’s fourth, he went around Michael Del Zotto.

It’s not often you get to see a game like that. Especially from a team who’s six defensemen remain intact from last Spring. Twice, the Rangers have allowed four or more goals. In last Thursday’s season opener, they lost 4-1 to the Coyotes. The same team who got bombed by the Islanders 6-1 at Nassau Coliseum Tuesday night. Most alarming is that a stingy D that’s been a staple in front of Henrik Lundqvist has looked out of sorts. Two players have recorded hat tricks (Radim Vrbata 3, Tomas Hertl 4). With Alain Vigneault preaching a more aggressive attack, our defensemen and forwards have frequently gotten caught. It was also an issue in preseason when the club won once. There’s going to be an adjustment period. Give them some time. Let’s see how they respond tomorrow against another quality opponent at Anaheim.

While Vigneault doesn’t bring the same edge as John Tortorella, he didn’t hide his feelings. If they didn’t fly out, he would’ve held a team practice. Instead, he’s given them the day off to recover. It’s already been a stressful road trip due to the final phase of the MSG renovation. A preseason that already included a Northwestern trip to Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver and Las Vegas was followed by a return home to prepare for the season. Now, they’re out in the Pacific again for one more night before visiting St. Louis this weekend. Then they finally return to the Eastern time zone and visit the Caps, Devils, Flyers and Red Wings prior to the home opener against the Canadiens on Oct. 28. It’s a tough start to 2013-14. If they can tread water and come out with three or four wins, that would be acceptable.

Complicating matters is Rick Nash’s apparent head injury suffered in the first period on a controversial Brad Stuart hit. The rugged San Jose defenseman has a telephone hearing today with the league who will decide if there’s any discipline. He was assessed a two-minute elbowing minor. Having the chance to look at it again on YouTube, I don’t think he’ll get suspended. He led with the shoulder and caught Nash in a vulnerable position. He was receiving a pass and turned. Of course, history shows that League VP Brendan Shanahan has taken into account the injury status of injured players. We’ll have to wait and see.

In the mean time, Nash likely is out for Thursday. Who knows when he’ll return? He missed four games last year due to a concussion on this Milan Lucic hit. Lucic wasn’t suspended with the hit more from the side. Maybe rookie Jesper Fast gets back in tomorrow. His speed and jam couldn’t hurt. Vigneault has gone exclusively with vets. Arron Asham has played two straight and Derek Dorsett isn’t coming out after scoring his first.