Flashback to July 1, 2007: By the close of business the Rangers were anointed "winners" of the 2007 free agency derby. Having signed Scott Gomez AND Chris Drury the Rangers had turned themselves into instant Cup contenders. Make no mistake, the goal for this season was to win it all. When viewed from that perspective, this afternoon's disappointing game capped off a season of failure for the Blueshirts.
I'm sure that in the coming days and months, some pundits will lament the rash of key injuries suffered by important members of the team. Some will decry the horrible officiating (how could all the on ice officials miss the stick to Drury's face?!?!).
The bottom line, however, is that with the notable exception of Jaromir Jagr, the Rangers' best players simply did not play their best hockey.
Gomez's turn-overs set up more plays for Pittsburgh than his passes did for New York. Drury disappeared long before he injured his ribs. Actually, I'm not really sure Drury ever appeared this post-season. If I hear another person talking about how well Drury does the "little things" I think I'll puke! Drury was NOT signed to his monstrous contract (complete with a "no-movement" clause) in order to do the "little things". Drury was signed in order to score those huge franchise defining playoff goals. You know the type...think "Matteau...Matteau". Blair Betts wins face-offs and kills penalties too.
Management has some huge and difficult decisions to make in the coming months. A number of the teams top players are heading into free agency. We'll get into all of that in due time. For now, though, the Rangers go bust.
I have been one the few people to NOT crown the Rangers the knings of the NHL back on July 1, 07. I said all along that they will go nowhere with the defense constructed as it is. Those who know me well can vouch to that. That being said, I think the Rangers did OK this season. The series was alot closer than the 4-1 outcome illustrated, and in my opinion, the Rangers had no business beating this team anyway. To a man the Pens are a better team, except for MAYBE goaltending, where if Fleury is not better than Lundqvist in general, he certainly was for 5 games this week.
Posted by: MOSS | May 05, 2008 at 05:23 AM
1) From a non-Rangers fan perspective your team went about as far as we expected. In our preseason predictions we had them getting bounced by the best team in the conference, Pittsburgh
2) That said, we have to say the future is about as bright as its ever been in Ranger-land. The kids stepped up and were impressive. Plug a few holes and they'll be even better
Posted by: fauxrumors | May 05, 2008 at 09:40 AM
"That said, we have to say the future is about as bright as its ever been in Ranger-land"
you are right!
Posted by: Nursing PJs | July 12, 2010 at 12:08 PM