Anton Stralman was forced to take a penalty. On the ensuing power play, the Pens worked the puck around against our tired unit until a pass found that elite sniper Tyler Kennedy, who beat Henrik Lundqvist from an awful angle. I’m also told the goal he permitted to Beau Bennett 1:30 into the contest was a real doozy. Simply put, the losing is taking a toll on Hank, who also went down on all fours for Pascal Dupuis’ marker that finished the Rangers. Not that it was his fault another lazy neutral zone turnover led to Hamrlik getting abused by the combo of Dustin Jeffrey and Dupuis.

It all added up to a 3-0 loss against a team they can’t beat. Embarrassing. Remember how dominant they were against the Atlantic last year? Not anymore. At last check, they’re 4-5-1 versus the division. Not to sound like a broken record. But in a 48-game schedule, you must be better than 8-10-2 against two of three divisions, including your own. The only one they’ve fared well against is the weak ass Southeast (5-2-0). Even that took a hit with Winnipeg sweeping the two games. The Jets won again in a shootout over the Leafs. One of those dreaded three-point games. They’re now up four  and play Ottawa today. Even the Islanders passed us.

Things are looking upside down for the Nash Rangers. In not even half a season, they’ve become Columbus East. Reliant on one star to determine their fate while Marian Gaborik and Brad Richards steal money. The D is in shambles. There’s no supporting cast even if John Tortorella loves Darroll Powe’s work ethic. At least he got 10 minutes. He’s still without a point since the trade. Not to fear. Brian Boyle is stuck on one goal and is playing on the third line. H-E-L-P.

Chris Kreider scored again for Connecticut. So, there’s that. There just isn’t much to get excited over. The Rangers were 13-9-2 at the halfway mark. They haven’t earned a point since, starting the all important stretch drive 0-for-3. Where is the urgency? You can’t win if you don’t score goals. And the look on Lundqvist following the defeat at Winterpeg was one of agony. It’s mental.

As every loss mounts, it seems Tortorella has lost the room. He’s become the man he vowed never to be like. Tom Renney. The dull, grinding style isn’t working with this bunch. Either change or get the hell out. What’s sad is they were very close last year with a different group. As usual, Glen Sather is escaping blame. He royally screwed up the roster. The coach deserves criticism for not adjusting. But the teflon GM who gets too much praise hasn’t delivered a roster worthy of a Cup. Time is ticking on Lundqvist.

At least they held Sidney Crosby in check. You do that and you should have a chance to win. Not this team.