Paille is a solid energy guy who Claude Julien trusts because he has faith in his depth. Paille set up Johnny Boychuk’s tying goal and chipped in a Shawn Thornton rebound that mystified our team, who thought it was in but lost track. That included a befuddled Henrik Lundqvist, who helplessly shoved the puck out of his net once the damage was done. Lundqvist again did everything possible to steal it coming up with some remarkable gems including some money stops on breakaways along with a ridiculous glove save late before Paille did them in.

It can’t always be only the goalie. There have been far too many instances in this defeated shortened season where Hank hasn’t had enough support. In a year where they added Rick Nash, the Rangers are no closer to competing for a Stanley Cup. They’re further away with Nash disappointing in an injury plagued postseason and Brad Richards all but done, ready to be amnestied. Sometimes, the changes you make aren’t always the right ones. It looks like Glen Sather didn’t do enough. Even with  the deadline additions, the one who could’ve been used against a bigger, physical opponent is out. Not having Ryane Clowe has hurt as has the loss of Marc Staal.

Last year, they battled through overcoming adversity. That team was different. They were able to compete and were just a couple of unlucky bounces away from a trip to the Stanley Cup Final. In assessing the years under John Tortorella, that was his best team because they had the mental and physical capacity to compete every shift. They also forechecked better, didn’t suffer as many lapses defensively and managed the neutral zone. That team could’ve given the Bruins a series. This year’s can’t. 

Before anyone gets their hopes up for a miraculous Flyer comeback from 0-3 down against Boston, they’re a tougher team. Just look how they got here. The Leafs choked but a determined Bruins believed. They’re battle tested and have overcome injuries to a depleted blueline. It hasn’t mattered. They’re well schooled. Any thoughts of a comeback don’t seem realistic. I’d love to see our team come out and play a strong Game Four, forcing the series back to Boston. If they could at least get it there, only then can we think positive. Based on how it’s played out, it’s a wing and a prayer.

How different are these teams? Shawn Thornton recorded two assists. He played 11 shifts (6:42). Greg Campbell had another point and was plus-two. It’d be a lot easier to take if Boston’s skill guys were beating us. Clearly, that’s not the case. When Boychuk is suddenly the best defenseman in the series and the names Campbell, Paille, Thornton and Torey Krug are haunting our team, it’s not a fair fight. The Bruins are imposing their will. They dominated the third period at MSG. You can toss the record of leading after two out the window. Rendered meaningless.

If the Rangers were serious about competing, they needed big series from Nash and the top line of Carl Hagelin, Derek Stepan and Ryan Callahan. That hasn’t developed. Derick Brassard can only do so much. Instead, Taylor Pyatt scored the only goal. Brian Boyle got killed on faceoffs, losing 17 of 21. You can’t win that way against a well oiled machine who has controlled the series through puck possession. 

Unfortunately for Tortorella, this team is his weakest in terms of any kind of consistent attack. They’re not good enough on the boards and don’t win enough battles. Many critics have pointed to him not adjusting to the roster. They might be right. Or just maybe we all got sucked into the notion that adding Nash equaled Cup. Only if they’re made out of tinfoil. Unless something amazing happens, it’s gonna be another frustrating summer where they wasted their best player. 

Hank has a year left before he can hit the market. Since ’05-06, the Rangers have made the postseason every Spring except one. This is Lundqvist’s seventh playoff appearance. Only once has he been past the Conference Semis. Anyone who believes fault lies with him is delusional. Without the Swedish King, this team would be a laughingstock. Slats hides behind the goalie. The one chance they had, he watched the Devils improve. One move away. How much longer can Lundqvist take it? It’s eating him up inside. He wants to win more than anyone. 

If you’re not concerned, you should be. I love the passion Hank plays with. You see the enthusiasm he has after every win. It’s not getting any easier. Tonight feels like another hopeless night. Next year, it’ll be 20 years since 1994. I don’t know about you. But I’m fed up with celebrating it. A lot has to happen between now and then to make it go away.