It was a nightmare. When the Rangers visit Bell Centre, they may as well be victims of
Freddy Krueger. In this classic case, the Canadiens play the role of Freddy. Fittingly, they created another nightmare that could have a long-term impact on our season.
The 3-0 score is irrelevant. It was the way Montreal beat up the Rangers that has everyone concerned. When your two top defensemen go down to injury, there are a lot more problems than what Marty Biron said following the latest setback. But the French goalie’s assessment of this team is damaging.
“It’s the same core guys that were here last year. We were a tough team to beat.”
Basically, it was an indirect shot at how the team has played this year. Through 17 games, the Blueshirts are 8-7-2 with 18 points. The Flyers passed them in the standings with a 5-3 win to move into eighth. However, they’ve played three more games. In a 48-game sprint, it’s never too early to start worrying.
The Rangers may have lost Ryan McDonagh and Dan Girardi. On a night they were pushed around, McDonagh was boarded from behind by Max Pacioretty during the second period. No teammate came to his aid. He didn’t return. Pacioretty’s hit was dangerous and should warrant a suspension. He’s a repeat offender. Afterwards, John Tortorella wondered about it.
”Can I ask the first question? How high did Pacioretty jump on his hit? Can anyone tell me?” ‘I’m asking you guys. Over/under?’‘
A response of six inches from a reporter wasn’t what Tortorella was looking for. Maybe he should be more concerned with how poorly his team played. They continue to look lethargic with only a handful of players showing up to work. It’s always the same guys.
If McDonagh has a concussion, that would be the worst case scenario. With Rick Nash finally placed on the injured list for a suspected concussion and Darroll Powe also out with one, it’s getting pretty crowded. Mike Del Zotto also missed the game with a hip injury.
Making matters worse, they might be without Girardi for a while. Trailing 3-0 late, Tortorella sent his defensive leader out to kill a five-on-three. As fate would have it, a lethal P.K. Subban shot drilled him in the ankle. In another scary scene, he had to be helped off the ice. He couldn’t put any weight on it. I don’t want to speculate but it could be a crusher. That’s all I’m going to say.
When you have a warrior like that sacrificing with the game essentially over, what does it say about Brad Richards and Marian Gaborik, who can’t be bothered? Richards had another miserable night, failing to back check on the Habs’ second goal. Gaborik was even worse. His lazy penalty led to Tortorella benching him for the entire third following a Habs’ power play goal that made it 3-0.
Some pondered why Girardi was even out late along with Ryan Callahan? It doesn’t matter now. The damage is done. Our team has become the New York Whale. By Tuesday, we could be seeing the debut of Dylan McIlrath out of necessity. He’s been playing well in Hartford. It certainly can’t hurt from a competitive standpoint. The only time a Ranger came to a teammate’s defense was Brian Boyle following Travis Moen running into Biron. Sad.
It’s just so disappointing. Gone is the edge. It’s been replaced by a malaise that’s threatening to turn a pre-season Cup favorite into a lottery team. The injuries are mounting. But as even Tortorella pointed out, it’s part of the game. All they can do is play through it. If the Senators can do it, why can’t this team? Right now, there’s no heart.
For better or worse, it’s up to the current roster to step up. Christian Thomas wasn’t too bad in his NHL debut, getting two shots on net and delivering a couple of checks. That’s more than you can say for some vets who went through the motions. It can’t always be Callahan, Derek Stepan, Carl Hagelin, Jeff Halpern, J.T. Miller and Marc Staal.
Sooner or later, your best players must be your best. Even Callahan has been eerily quiet. But that’s because of how he’s being used. Tortorella isn’t doing a good job. It almost seems like they’ve stopped responding. Very bad signs.
There’s plenty of time to turn it around. It would be nice if they showed a pulse.
hasan4978
Derek
Battle Of Hudson 
You're blogs are awful. If you want to play reporter go ahead, but stop blogging up the facebook groups with this shit. nobody cares bro.
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Thanks for the feedback. You obviously had nothing better to do. It probably aggravates you that this team is softer than Carvel. Good.
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