John Tortorella had reason to smile watching his new team.
Canadian Press/Jonathan Hayward

Tonight sucked. If you were looking for a statement, keep searching. The Rangers were terrible in Vancouver. Score one for John Tortorella, whose new team delivered a 5-0 KO. Playing its third game in four nights, Alain Vigneault’s club started strong carrying the play while out-shooting the Canucks. Roberto Luongo was sharp allowing the home team to get untracked. He finished with 40 saves for the shutout.

Undisciplined play away killed the Rangers. Bad penalties and lackadaisical coverage led to easy pickings for The Sedins. They had a field day. Henrik Sedin scored twice on his 33rd birthday while twin brother Daniel set up an early power play goal. A furious Henrik Lundqvist griped to the refs about goalie interference. He should’ve been upset with his defense. Frank Corrado beat Lundqvist from the blueline making it 2-0. Despite a 17-9 shots edge, the Rangers trailed after the first period.

It only got worse. Henrik Sedin tipped in his second 1:12 into the second from Alex Burrows and Alex Edler. Ryan McDonagh and Dan Girardi struggled mightily. The normally unflappable tandem were on for three goals against. On each, they were largely responsible. Derick Brassard fell down on one, which didn’t help. Neither did Rick Nash, who never bothers to back check. It’s a bad habit that must change along with the shoddy D we’ve seen so far. It’s still only preseason. Hopefully, once they trim the roster it’ll change. Not having Derek Stepan, Ryan Callahan and Carl Hagelin around hasn’t helped. That’s a gritty trio who make life difficult on opponents. They get in on the forecheck and go to the net. Luongo was able to see every shot.

The Canucks did a better job in front of Lundqvist, who was taken off his game following Sedin’s opening tally when Ryan Kesler and Kevin Bieksa fell on top of him. Lundqvist wasn’t himself allowing five goals in two periods. Marty Biron replaced him in the third and stopped some more dangerous Vancouver chances. A dumb penalty from Derek Dorsett led to Kesler redirecting an Edler drive right through Hank’s five-hole. It was one of those goals he probably doesn’t allow last year due to his equipment. Hopefully, he’ll adjust to smaller pads. Hunter Shinkaruk scored on a rush when his shot from the left faceoff circle deflected by Lundqvist.

There really isn’t much else to say. The effort the Rangers put in was atrocious. They have been porous defensively in all five games. I keep having to remind myself that it’s only preseason. There’s still 31 players in camp which doesn’t make much sense. Encouraging is that Callahan has been cleared for contact. He and Stepan return to the team Sunday following the final exhibition against the Kings in Vegas. It looks like the captain is shooting for the season opener in Phoenix. It sounds like Callahan is rushing back. He’s built similarly to Derek Jeter. I hope he doesn’t have any setbacks.

On a night where there weren’t many positives, here are a few:

Darroll Powe continues to distinguish himself. He’s much more noticeable on the attack registering four shots. He’s definitely a factor shorthanded, always seeming to be in the right spot. He and Dom Moore seem to read off each other well.

Jesper Fast doesn’t look out of place. I can’t think of one good reason not to keep him. This team can use another young player with jam. An old Tort expression that applies to AV’s new system. I find myself wanting to see more of him.

Marc Staal was the best defenseman. That’s not saying much. But he and John Moore weren’t on for any goals against. Staal particularly has looked more confident pinching and taking shots on the power play. If he plays like this during the season, it bodes well.

Mats Zuccarello was active during his shifts because he always is. You notice how hard he battles. That work ethic improved under Tortorella. Look for a good year out of Zucc.

Brad Richards made some good offensive reads in the third leading to chances. He looked better in the third with Zuccarello and Benoit Pouliot. Maybe that’s who he should play with instead of the lazy Nash.