NEW YORK – Well it’s been quite interesting lately with the Rangers as they continue to plow through their schedule with some hard fought wins and losses. They have been playing decent hockey for the most part going 5-4 in their last 9, but a couple of those losses have been heartbreakers including a 1-0 loss to the Stars and 3-2 shootout loss to the Lightning. The wins came in close fashion against the Lightning and Hurricanes and one blowout over the southeast leading Panthers, 6-1.
Photo by Lewis Bleiman
The latest win came against the Coyotes 3-2 in dramatic fashion with Brad Richards scoring a goal with 0.1 seconds left on the clock, stunning the small crowd at Jobing.com arena on Saturday night. There were lots of Ranger fans in the building despite the fact that the team was playing over 2000 miles from home.
The other highlight of the game was seeing Marian Gaborik score twice and now leads the team in goals and points with 17 and 27 respectively.
Henrik Lundqvist has been solid in goal with Martin Biron playing well to spell him in order to keep his total games down this season to have him fresher for the playoffs. As mentioned, Gaborik is playing excellent hockey and has regained his scoring touch from a couple of years ago, but it has a lot to do with being healthy. Richards is showing why he has been a good signing by contributing in all areas of the team game. In addition, Michael Del Zotto, who had been the target of some fans, has turned his game around including a nice goal against the Blues the other night.
Their power play has improved somewhat over the last bunch of games by scoring at least 1 PPG in 6 of the last 9.
Even with all this good news surrounding the team, the one big disappointment that remains is Brandon Dubinsky, who in 30 games is still stuck on 1 goal for them so far and is clearly not earning that fat contract he received over the summer. There are defensemen with more goals than him and why he keeps getting ice time in bunches is beyond me. The common thought is that he needs to sit in the press box for a game or 2 to maybe have him get his head straight since he looks lost out there most nights.
The other big problem that they are facing is the loss of some defensemen including Steve Eminger, who is out with a separated shoulder and Michael Sauer with a concussion for an extended period of time. The good news is that Marc Staal is getting closer to coming back and not a moment too soon because they need reinforcements on the back line.
Photo by Lewis Bleiman
The 24/7 series began on HBO and yes the first episode was good as it gave fans an inside look at the Flyers and Rangers as they get closer and closer to the Winter Classic on January 2nd. Just when you thought you actually knew these players, you were surprised to learn that there is more to them than just lacing up the skates and playing hockey. The next episode is coming up soon and it is hoped that it will be just as good as this one was.
Lastly, the league will be shutting down for Christmas and taking a needed break from the fast pace of the schedule as it flies by quickly.
The Rangers will hit the 33 game mark at the break, still holding games in hand over teams around them in the standings and the key will be to earn as many points as they can in them.
It has been an interesting start for the Blueshirts so far and as they head further into this season, it remains to be seen how much they still can do out on the ice.
Contact Howie.Sussman@prohockeynews.com Photography by Lewis.Bleiman@prohockeynews.com
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