N.Y. Rangers: Le Blueshirts House de Horrors

From the desk of:  RAISE GRESCHNER WITH THE GREATS

 

TONIGHT

 

NEW YORK RANGERS

vs.

Les Habitants de Montreal

FROM

The Great White North

NEW YORK RANGERS: The Feeling-Out Process Between Coach Vigneault and the Blueshirts Is Growing More Curious.

Last season, the Rangers got shut out twice in Montreal.   In fact, the Rangers have been outscored 14-1 in their last four meetings there, and haven't gained a victory in Montreal in four seasons.  The good news is, the Rangers have scored 28 regulation time goals in the last ten games, and limited themselves to 18 goals against.  Additionally, the Habs are currently trending downward, having lost six times in their last ten games, while the Rangers are 7-3 over the same stretch.

The Rangers however, recently had their momentum interrupted by the New Jersey Devils.  Coach Vigneault issued a harsh criticism of Henrik Lundqvist's last effort.  The King outwardly accepted and even agreed with Coach's assessment.  On the heels of Tuesday's loss, Cam Talbot is expected to start between the pipes this evening - a curious situation.  It is also worth mentioning again, Henrik Lundqvist is still without a contract extension, and is perhaps more accustomed to John Tortorella's unwavering protectionism with regard to Henrik's ups and downs - or not.  The Rangers goalie insists there is nothing there.

Is there further evidence the (media) protectionism is over?  You bet there is.  Not that long ago, J.T. Miller and Derek Dorsett got a taste.

Amid rumors and trade speculation, Michael Del Zotto may be a healthy scratch for tonight's game.  It would mark the second time he's been listed as a healthy scratch this season.

Former coach John Tortorella may have gotten the best from Del Zotto we fans will ever see.  Because at current, Zotto is an undisciplined, unrepentant plague of turnovers upon the ice, who otherwise still routinely makes bad decisions with the puck.  The fleeting flashes of brilliance he used to demonstrate, have been reduced to very infrequent flickers of competence amid fading minutes.  If you think I'm being too harsh, then consider he just pissed off his second coach in the only organization he's known.  Coach Vigneault is in no way pleased with Del Zotto's play.  Thus, the defenseman is facing time, in what appears to be the first real usage of the new regime's doghouse.

What can the Rangers potentially expect in return for Del Zotto, a former #1 draft choice, who perhaps would benefit from a change of scenery?  Before pondering any return for the beleaguered defenseman, I say we sweeten the deal and include Mats Zuccarello in a package.

Yeah, I went there.



Mike.BTB