Forget about the fact that if Marek Malik doesnt suit up for this one, we probably pick up a point (despite being severely outplayed by a superior Ottawa club). Forget about the fact that the Rangers once again played terrible on their powerplay, including an extended 5 on 3 where they spent the first 30 seconds trying to get into the zone. Instead I want you to remember this. The Rangers have played 5 games this year, and have lost twice to the best team in the NHL. Don’t freak out…yet.
We are seeing snippets and flashes of greatness, but again the suffocating defense of the Senators made us look quite pedestrian. There is a lot to be happy about, especially since if you take away a 35 second portion of the first game against the Sens, and a 52 second portion of this game, the Rangers have shut out the beasts of the east. Thats something isnt it? Isnt it? Come on, I need something to feel good about.
Meh, you’re no fun.
Anyway, I’m going to cut this short since I have to get going. I leave you with something I said on the message boards I visit.
This team will never win a cup with Marek Malik on the blueline. I believe Malik was on the ice for 2 of the 3 goals at least, and on both of them he was responsible, by either flubbing that play on his own blueline, or by missing an assignment.
With that said, im not even talking about tonight. Hes been horrendous with his decision making for years now. hes got a phenomenal overall game, but you CAN NOT have a guy that is good for one brainfart a game that ends up in your net. You just cant have it. Id rather have a guy who played a crappier overall game, but who didnt make that 1 idiotic mistake a game.