The New York Rangers Give Up Lead in Third Period, Lose in Shootout

In a disappointing shoot out lose against the Toronto Maple Leafs last night. The New York Rangers looked extremely good till the third period. Where it seemed, they ran out of steam.

This has been nothing new to Ranger fans, as we have watched our beloved blue shirts lose a large amount of their games in the third period, And such was the case last night.

This was a game, that should have been 5-1. But as John Tortorella said in his speech after the game. The chances were there, they just couldn’t get the puck in the net. Which is another major issue the Rangers have been having for the last two years now.

With the trade dead line quickly approaching, will the new couch be looking to make some trades or will he finish off the season with the players he has now, and wait till the off season to make his decisions.

I personal would like to see him make some moves now. Although I was very impressed with the way they played the first two periods. The power play looked pretty good. Much better then it has been. It even led to a goal from an unexpected player. Wade Redden!

I was really impressed with the massive amount of turn overs they forced on both ends of the ice.

Which in turn created many scoring chances. That led to zero goals!

This is why I am hoping the new couch will take the initiative and not waist any time making trades. The Rangers might have a new couch. But they are still the non scoring players they have been all year.

Yes, this was their first game with Tortorella as head couch. And besides the fact that they did play a pretty solid two periods. The still came away with only one, much needed point and the lose.

Where as if they had a top goal scorer. They would have came away with the deuce. Which at this stage of the game. They so desperately needed.

Some might say, well this was their first game. They played well. Maybe he should wait to see if they can turn it around. I totally disagree with that and here is why.

Wade Redden hasn’t scored a goal in something like 58 games. Its been so long I forgot why the Rangers signed him to begin with. Oh yeah, to help score goals!

He may not be playing with the greatest players in hockey. But these players are not rookies either. Naslund, all though getting older. Has all the experience you can ask for in a player. He is a good assist man as well as a goal scorer. Although lacking in last few years. He is still no slouch.

The awesome play of Zherdev, sets every one up. Drury and Gomez who are not having a good year. Are still good players. Three goals, twenty one points on the season. Redden has to go.

Kalinin who has shown improvement lately. More so in the defensive zone rather then offence. He has not been the same since suffering the injuries he sustained when he was in buffalo. One goal ten assists on the season so far. This is just not acceptable.

I know the Rangers didn’t pick him up for his great offence. Although they did hope he would have helped them in that area. But he hasn’t been this out standing d-man either. He is just there, he really don’t do anything and he needs to go.

Bottom line! If we don’t make trades for a top goal scorer. There is no sense in them making the playoffs. They will need to score goals to win. And that is something that they just can’t seem to do. I rather them not make the playoffs. Then get embarrassed in the first round.

I really am looking for big things to come from the forth line if they keep playing the way they did last night. I can’t express enough, that if given the ice time. They will start scoring.

Betts has played his best year in a long time this season. Tonight’s game he was more aggressive, even on the penalty killing unit and almost came away with a goal. He is a much better player when playing aggressive. He even laid down some good quality checks which is something I love to see.

Colton Orr had a few chances as well. Missed the net a few times. But the chances were there. This line has always created great scoring opportunities for the last couple of years. The more they play, the better they will get. And the goals will come. I can feel it!

I like John Tortorella’s style of play. Fast, and hard checking. With a constant flow of pressure. For the most part, the Rangers did pretty good adapting in such little time they had before the game.

This style of play will most definitely fit Callahan’s, Dubinski, Korpikoski, Prucha, and Zherdev’s style of play. Gomez and Dawes as well should fit right in do to being as quick as they are. I see good things in the future with Tortorella as couch.

I am also glad to see Prucha back on the ice. Didn’t take Tortorella long to see who should be playing and who should be sitting. Now its up to PRUCHA to show why he should be there. I hope he does.

The Rangers did how ever leave Toronto with more then just one point. They nabbed Mark Bell off the Leafs waiver list.

He is a 28 year old left winger. He had a couple of 20 plus goal season with the Chicago Black hawks. In '03/'04 season he scored 21 goals with 24 assists. In the '05/'06 season he scored 25 goals with 23 assists.

He is six foot, four inches, 220 pounds. He was the Black Hawks number one pick in the 1998 draft. Eighth overall. Hopefully he will add to the offence. With his size, he should be a help in the defensive zone as well.

Now the question is, who is gonna sit out? Should be interesting!

Welcome Mark Bell and good luck.