Poor Cam: In what’s becoming a theme, a Ranger goalie can’t save this team. Cam Talbot still was solid making 25 saves in his NHL debut.
AP Photo/Laurence Kesterson

The Rangers accomplished something tonight. They managed to lose to the Flyers 2-1. I could gripe over how bad that is. But why bother? This is an embarrassingly dull team right now. I don’t know when that changes. They scored once on a lucky shot by Brad Richards. He caught Steve Mason napping late in the first. That was it.

In his NHL debut, Cam Talbot was solid finishing with 25 saves. Of the two goals he allowed, one could be considered soft with Matt Read beating him five-hole while shorthanded. That it came a man short shows just how brutal they were. Particularly Derick Brassard. For everything he did right last Spring, the former Jacket has been anything but so far. Even with four assists, he’s hardly been noticeable. Instead, blatant giveaways have led to goals against. The latest glaring example coming when his mishaps at the point allowed Read to skate in two on one and give the Flyers the lead.

The only positive offensively was the play of the top line, who responded following Derek Dorsett’s fight with Zac Rinaldo. With over a minute left in the first period, a good cycle from the trio of Richards, Chris Kreider and Derek Stepan led to their only goal. A nice keep by John Moore at the point along with a Kreider chip allowed Richards to keep the play going. With nowhere to go, he wisely fired the puck from a sharp angle surprising Mason, who wasn’t on his angle. A smart play from a much more confident player who’s been the lone bright spot. Richards’ team-leading fifth came at 18:56 sending them to the locker room even.

There really isn’t much else to say. Forget the 12 shots they fired on Mason in the second. Were any really threats as much as two bombs the Flyers sent that beat Talbot to the glove side but rang off the goalpost? You already know the answer. Brian Boyle took two dumb penalties including an unsportsmanlike for arguing over a missed call. Brandon Mashinter had a spirited scrap with Wayne Simmonds that led to more animosity befitting of the rivalry. Dorsett mixed it up with Braydon Coburn. Somehow, he wound up with the only misconduct. Ironic considering what happened the next period.

Before the second concluded, the most controversial play of the game took place. While finishing a check, Benoit Pouliot shoved Max Talbot from behind. His momentum carried him into the boards. It was a dangerous hit because he was vulnerable. At least Pouliot tried to hold up as Talbot crashed. No matter, He received a boarding major and game misconduct. I had no problem with the call because he could’ve been seriously hurt. Luckily for Pouliot, Talbot returned for the third. He’ll still be getting a call from the league. I think he might avoid further discipline. There was no malicious intent. If only he was earning his paycheck. Through eight games, he still is stuck on zero points. Great signing Slats!

The only aspect for the Rangers that was good was the penalty kill. They went four for four including a successful kill of Pouliot’s major. Unfortunately, they got no momentum. When you’re bad, you’re bad. Instead of testing Mason, a sloppy turnover led to Coburn getting the game-winner at 3:33. After someone went for a big hit in the neutral zone and missed, disaster struck. Marc Staal gave away the puck which might’ve caromed off Richards to Coburn, whose one-timer beat Talbot stick side. Read and Niklas Grossmann added helpers.

The damage was done. In past seasons, a one-goal deficit wasn’t enough to beat them. Not this team who is without Carl Hagelin and injured stars Rick Nash and Ryan Callahan. There is zero offensive creativity. Especially with Stepan continuing to struggle and Brassard dressed as a Halloween ghost. Alain Vigneault felt it was better to scratch Mats Zuccarello and play team pet Taylor Pyatt. I’m not questioning Pyatt’s effort. It’s always there. He tries hard. But it’s time for AV and Slats to face facts. He’s a stiff! What was he doing out in the last minute? Between him, the coach and the senseless play of Mike Del Zotto, it’s enough to put a paper bag over your head. Apparently some fans are suggesting it for Monday’s home opener.

https://twitter.com/KreiOfTheTiger/status/393554197552959488

The Rangers did get a power play. They only had two. Two stinking power plays and one shorthanded goal given up. On the second at least, J.T. Miller thought he scored the tying goal. Not only did he fool us but the New York Rangers who texted it as a power play goal immediately. What a joke. But the more you watched replays, the kicking motion was evident. On the bench, Miller sat there motionless. And so there went the only chance they had against the hapless Flyers. Path—etic!

HARD HITS

-I only have one. The mindless over promotion of the newly renovated Garden has taken its toll. The way MSG makes it sound, you’d think they were curing cancer. It’s an absolute joke! I can’t anymore with Dolan. How many times do we have to hear Sam Rosen say they spent $2 billion on the “New MSG.” It’s maddening. That’s all they care about. Not improving the on ice product which flat out sucks since Slats traded for Nash and then listened to the egocentric goalie on Tort. Yes. I said it! This is as much Hank’s fault that the team has zero identity. When they lose, I don’t even get upset anymore. I expect it. The losing culture is back. They can take their precious Garden and _______. You get the picture.