Stingy Ranger Offense Bankrupts In Buffalo: No Goals, No Points

by Rich Baiocco

While scoring only 3 goals in 4 games was good enough to earn the Rangers 5 points the buck finally stopped last night in Buffalo when rookie puckstopper Jhonas Enroth stepped in for the injured Ryan Miller and blanked the Blueshirts, ending an impressive 7 game point streak.

Coach Tortorella was disappointed with his team's effort, claiming they only played with the necessary intensity for the 3rd period, and while that was ostensibly true, credit must also be given to the Sabres who trapped the Rangers with an airtight team defense and forced turnovers in all three zones. The Rangers were slow to adapt and by the time they finally penetrated the offensive zone with some quality scoring chances Buffalo had it's eye on the prize and wouldn't relinquish the lead.

The slight difference on the scoreboard came on a turnover that proved costly, not only in the game but in the standings as the lone goal enabled the Sabres to tie us for 7th place with 87 points on the season. An aggressive penalty kill by the Rangers led to a wide open 3-1 up the ice with Brian Boyle and Ryan Callahan at the helm. Perhaps seized by the rare opportunity in the game, Boyle took an extra wide stride and in doing so allowed the defenseman to track a better angle on Cally. A shot with a rebound would've been the ideal play for the rush since 24 was crashing the net, but Boyle attempted a pass that was blocked and the turn up ice trapped the 2 Rangers behind the play. Tim Connelly blasted a slapper over Lundqvist's shoulder and ruined the heroic performance the King put on, stopping 34 shots and recovering from a hard shot that hit him between the padding on his right knee.

The Rangers had their chances, even a goal disallowed with Callahan contacting Enroth before Anisimov could tap in the rebound, but they couldn't crack the code. Both the Gaborik and Dubinsky lines hounded the net and haunted the offensive zone but to no avail. Gabbi had 5 shots on goal but in key situations he came up empty. He also couldn't seem to get his high gear going, failing to accelerate down the wing in the neutral zone and break through the Sabre trap with his shifty speed. Instead he, like most of the Rangers, attempted to cut to the middle at the blue line and was met with Buffalo resistance that led to turnovers.

Fortunately the Blueshirts are back at it tonight, roughing it up with the Islanders. Carolina stands just outside the playoff picture, throwing rocks at windows. They play the Islanders on Saturday and Buffalo Sunday. It's a clusterfu*k, but what else would you expect in either Conference. This is the National Hockey League and everyone fights tooth and nail because they want it so bad. The top 8 teams will rise to the occasion and the Rangers will be there.

Lets Go Blue!