Shark Attack

Well, they had to lose sometime right? Like everyone else, I was holding out for an 81-1 record this year, but it looks like we'll have to settle for a few losses along the way. And in true Rangers fashion, they capped off a seven game winning streak by surrendering a two goal lead and totally collapsing at MSG. Ah, the soaring highs and crushing lows of Blueshirt fandom.

An ugly loss? Definitely. It's hard to say though, if this is really one to worry about. Every team gets blown out somewhere along the line during the course of the regular season (the Pens got shut out 3-0 by Phoenix. The Phoenix Coyotes. Really.). Nabokov brought his "A" game and so did Heatley. When those guys are tuned in, it takes a focused effort to pull out a win. The Rangers were discombobulated from the start, and didn't improve as the game went on.

The biggest blunder in this game came from behind the bench, with Tortorella giving Valiquette the start. Despite a few bad games last year, I think Valley is more solid than most back-ups. Still, I don't really see the logic in starting him at home against one of the league's best teams. With the Islanders and the Coyotes coming up on the schedule, there are plenty of games to give Hank the night off. San Jose is a deep, talented team that, barring another playoff meltdown, could be a legitimate cup contender. They're going to handle your back-up. That's what good teams do.

Aside from a lackluster game from Valley, there were other issues. The fourth line choked. I try to see the bright side of having Brashear on this team, but in the last two games, he's been nothing but a liability, lumbering up and down the wing like he has cement in his skates. With Hank getting run (again) by Toronto, he failed to make an example out of anyone. There's no point having a bruiser like him on the roster (or the payroll) if he's not going to bust some heads when a bush-league squad starts taking liberties with the franchise goalie. And tonight he got smoked, absolutely smoked, by Marleau coming across the blue line. They would have been better off giving Brash the night off and letting Voros loose out there to bang around in front of the net and solicit a beatdown from Jody Shelley, as I imagine he would have.

On the other hand, the Rangers had to lose again sooner or later, and with the Devils in town on Thursday night, I'd much rather they got it out of their system against the Sharks. Hopefully this bummer of a game makes them hungry to bring it to Brodeur and his cronies later this week. I'm sure there will be the usual Avery vs. Marty hype, but hopefully the team will stay focused on bouncing back from a gnarly loss, and send the Devils back across the river with something to think about.