Perhaps the Rangers forgot they had one more game before the break, because that was the most lethargic, apathetic hockey we’ve ever seen. It felt like the end of the season though there is 25 games remaining. Shutout once again on home ice, this year has been a complete and utter disaster across the board. From roster construction to lineup decisions, this entire organization needs a reset. There’s still a trade deadline to come, and boy there better be some more movement.
Congrats to JT Miller and Vincent Trocheck that they finally have arrived to the moment they’ve probably been dreaming of all year, which is playing for their country. I’m sure they will put forth more effort on that Team USA roster than they have all year long in New York. The lies the fans were fed about how these two would bring a fight to this team were complete and utter nonsense. Miller has clearly been injured, yet he’s played so he could be on Team USA. At least Trocheck will be gone by the deadline.
It’s clear the Rangers miss Adam Fox (and Team USA will regret not including him). What we are witnessing with his absence is that this blue line is incorrectly built to play the modern game. The Rangers want a bunch of guys who will hit, and make defensive plays with their sticks, but you will get killed in today’s game if you can’t move the puck.
We know this, but it’s become clear Chris Drury doesn’t. The Rangers have had guys who fit the mold, but then refuse to retain them for various reasons. I’m not really even sure where it starts, but there has to be a player out there that fits the mold that can be targeted in either free agency, or a trade.
An early “Fire Drury” chant was quickly muted as Andrei Svechnikov made a move on Matt Rempe defending him, and sniped the puck past Jonathan Quick, who made 41 saves tonight on 42 shots. Quick did everything and anything he could to keep the game competitive, but as we’ve seen all season long, he just does not have the run support this season. He will be an interesting name to watch as the deadline approaches, maybe some tweener team would want him to be their backup for the experience.
The real MVP of this season are Rangers fans, because what other fanbase would shell out the kind of money Rangers fans do to watch this circus in person? Personally speaking, I would love a game where “Fire Drury” chants are loud, proud, and not easily missed on the broadcast, but I think we’re getting there. The fanbase lost complete confidence in him, and he should pay for it with his job.