A third period rally was too little late in another frustrating loss. This time, it was Winnipeg who came into MSG and took two points- holding on for a 4-3 win. Evander Kane’s softy on Henrik Lundqvist stood up as the winner. The budding power forward tallied twice and had an assist. Old buddy Olli Jokinen scored twice. Another inferior goalie outperformed Lundqvist (28 saves). Ondrej Pavelec made 33 saves.

It’s hard to break down a game I didn’t see. However, from following tweets it sounded like the Rangers didn’t pick it up until the final period. With the exception of fearless leader Ryan Callahan , there were too many passengers. Like any diehard observer, I can’t understand why that is. Sure. It’s well documented that the 2013 roster isn’t equipped to play the taxing style John Tortorella demands. Until he makes an adjustment, I can’t see it changing.

Remarkably, they remain a point out of eighth in a mediocre conference. Good thing they don’t play out West. There’s still time to turn it around. At least that’s what the schedule indicates. The Rangers have 30 games left to alter what’s evolving into a repeat of ’92-93. There are similarities. It appears they’re tuning out Tortorella and the injuries haven’t helped. At least Nash returned to practice. Maybe he’ll return later this week. Ryan McDonagh and Mike Del Zotto remained out.

The Jets used a strong second period to outscore the Blueshirts 3-1. They took advantage of sloppy play on each goal. I caught the lowlights on NHL Network. Kevin Weekes broke down the obvious. A dysfunctional team that’s not paying attention to detail. It doesn’t seem to matter if Tortorella wants to make an example out of Chris Kreider (7 shifts- 4:33, minor penalty). Even his most experienced players are fouling up defensively. But it’s only the 22-year old former No.1 pick’s fault. Keep telling yourself that.

Why did they bring up Brandon Mashinter for? So he could get the same treatment. It’s a joke. Coach clueless is running his best players into the ground. Or in this case melting them like the Garden ice. Even if he was on his best behavior post game, you can’t win the way he coaches. He’s afraid to roll four lines. Unless they get healthy, it’s going to be an uphill climb just to make the playoffs. A far cry from the pre-season hype.

At least the team showed a pulse late. Anton Stralman scored and set up another. He’s been our best defenseman. What the heck does that say? Luckily, Dan Girardi returned. I can’t even believe he’s okay. The man is a warrior. Taylor Pyatt broke a goal drought with a nice redirect of a Stralman shot. But 20 seconds later, Lundqvist allowed a dreadful goal to Kane which prevented the game from reaching overtime. It doesn’t matter if he’s been better. There’s no margin for error.

Final thought. The line of Callahan, Pyatt and Derek Stepan had two of three goals and combined for 13 shots. Throw in constant Carl Hagelin (7 SOG) along with rookie J.T. Miller (3) and that makes up 23 of the Rangers’ 33 shots. Marian Gaborik (assist) also took three and Stralman and Girardi each had two. That’s not even half the roster.

Note: Darroll Powe also returned after missing a week due to a concussion.