Rangers Struggles Continue: Fall to Jets 3-1

Winnipeg- Just what the Rangers were trying to avoid, is exactly what happened to them last night.  Going into last night's match-up with the Winnipeg Jets, almost everyone around the Rangers organization touted this game as a "Big One" - They lost 3-1.  What more can be said at this point?  This does not resemble the same team in anyway that made it to the Eastern Conference Finals last year.

Playing in one of the toughest away rinks in the entire league, the Rangers needed to take the crowd out of the game within the first 5 minutes.  That plan didn't work out so well as the Jets took a 1-0 lead just 1:58 into the first period.  The Rangers were on their heels a majority of the opening frame.  Marian Gaborik was stopped on a penalty shot, and showed some rare emotion smashing his stick into pieces as he got back to the bench.  Maybe the pressure is getting to him, maybe the frustration of being benched and moved from wing to wing is starting to boil over; whatever it is, that is the most animated I have seen Gabby in his 4 years as a Ranger.

The Rangers managed to tie it up when Captain Cally put home his 9th of the season at the start of the second period.  They seemed to find their legs a bit in the second, but we unable to capitalize on some good opportunities out-shooting the Jets 11-9 in the period.  Even though the Rangers out shot them, they never really generated any "Grade-A" scoring chances.  The Jets regained the lead on a deflection late in the period putting the Rangers down 2-1.

Lundqvist made some great saves to keep the Rangers in the game, but there has been an on going trend of the Defenseman letting the opposing forwards get goal-side position on them opening up some great opportunities 1-on-1 in front with Henrik (better illustrated by Adam Rotter of SNY):

Read: Where The Games Are Won and Lost on.sny.tv/10WMsZ5
— Adam Rotter (@AdamRotter) March 15, 2013

It all seems to go back to the fact that there has been an overall lack of focus from this team virtually all season long.  The Jets eventually iced the game with an empty netter in the dying seconds to close it out 3-1.  It seems as though this young Rangers team is really starting to feel the pressure of what being considered a "contender" feels like.

It is almost as if they are not 100% emotionally involved in the game, they'll give you anywhere from 30-60 minutes of real effort on any given night- That is something that needs to change.  In order to find consistency in their game, start by getting back to that identity they've developed the last couple of years of being the hardest working team on a night in and night out basis.  They've got to stop gripping their sticks too tight, loosen up out there, and the chances will come.

The players may not be responding to Tortorella's tactics too well at the moment, something the Winnipeg fans had all to much fun letting Rangers fans know.  The highlight of the game came when the MTS Center crowd began to get on Head Coach John Tortorella's case - "Tort-or-Rella" (Hey maybe some other people need to start putting some more of the pressure on him as well.): 

Never heard a coachs chant before.Way to tortorella it tonight mts
— Jim Slater (@slaterjim) March 15, 2013

Oh man, a "Tortorella" chant at MTS Centre. Don't make me love you, Winnipeg. Don't do it.
— Dave Lozo (@DaveLozo) March 15, 2013

John Tortorella serenaded by Winnipeg Jets fans with mocking chant during Rangers loss (VIDEO) #NHL #NYR | Puck Daddy sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck…
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) March 15, 2013

Reporter asks Torts if he heard the "Tortorella" chant. "The what?" Torts says. #NYR spokesperson says "next question." Presser ends
— Pat Leonard (@NYDNRangers) March 15, 2013

The Rangers are now sitting in 9th place, and are on the outside looking in at the Eastern Conference playoff picture.  With two straight losses and a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins (in Pitt) on Saturday, they better find some answers quick.  Back to back games follow on Monday (Home) & Tuesday (Jersey) - My guess is as good as any, but I wouldn't doubt Marty being back in net for the Devils for that one.  The good thing about this scheduling is the quick turnaround gives little time to dwell on bad losses like this.  It's gut check time for this team, let's see what they can do.


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Game 25 Preview- Rangers vs Jets

Winnipeg, Manitoba- MTS Center - Capacity a deafening 15,004- Opponent = Jets 13-11-2 (28 points) Tied with Rangers for 8th in the Eastern Conference

Game 25 Overview:  It is safe to say that this is the biggest game of the season thus far for the New York Rangers.  Tonight the Rangers will be playing the team they are tied for the 8th and final playoff spot with, the Winnipeg Jets.  With a game in hand on the Jets as well as most of the other teams in the Eastern Conference playoff race, this becomes an extremely critical game for the Blueshirts.  The thing with the shortened season is that teams are only playing Inter-Conference games which means that even when you are winning, teams are still gaining on you.

The Home Crowd: The MTS Center in Winnipeg is the smallest arena in the NHL, but it is also known as one of the loudest and toughest places for an opposing team to play.  With just a 5-6 record at home this season the Jets don't seem to be responding to the home crowd as well as one would assume they would be.  The Rangers need to show that "Road Warrior" mentality they have come accustomed to in years past, and battle it out for a gutsy win tonight.

Who's Hot? Winnipeg- Andrew Ladd (Captain), He has points in 4 out of his last 5 games.  In 26 games this season he has notched 13 goals, 12 assists for 25 points, and is a +7.  Ladd is a heart and soul type of player with top end skill.  He won the Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks in '09-'10, and has played virtually under the radar since being traded to the Atlanta Thrashers then relocating to Winnipeg.

Rangers- Derek Stepan has quietly been heating up for the Rangers with Points in 6 out of his last 7 games.  This is a welcomed sign of relief for the Rangers who, with the injury/struggling play of Richards, were in desperate need of someone stepping up for them at the Center position.  Stepan has rebounded very well from his slow start to get his season stats totals to 7 goals, 10 assists, and a +9 rating in his 25 games.  If he can continue to play at this level, and the rest of the team finds it's form the Rangers will have a great 1-2 punch with their top offensive lines.

How Will the Rangers Respond? After and extremely lackluster performance against the lowly Buffalo Sabres, Head Coach John Tortorella blasted his Rangers squad.  A two word summary of Torts' post-game remarks following the 3-1 loss is as easy as, "they sucked" (referring to the Rangers).  Are the players beginning to tune John Tortorella out?  Tonight's game will give us a good indication as to whether or not they are still responding to Torts' motivational tactics, or if it's starting to wear thin on this Rangers team.

Regardless, it's game night, and the Rangers desperately need this win.  Hopefully they come out with a sense of urgency and get the job done.



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