I think alot of things went into the loss on Monday. We can all question why Torts played Hank on Saturday in Toronto and sat him against one of the top teams when there was a three day layoff afterwards, but I think he wanted to use Valley that night to see exactly where he stood against the top teams in the league. I think its safe to say that he won’t be seeing much time in net unless the Isles, Leafs, or Wild are in town.

As far as responding, I don’t think that will ever be a problem with a John Tortorella-coached team. He’ll have them ready, and you can bet your @ss that they’ll play hard for 60 minutes. I think the 4th line will see a reduction in ice time, but don’t be surprised if Boyle and Brash getssome shared time on the third line. Avery will be at his top form tonight, so I guess that means a few bad penalties and some “missed” calls by the refs.

I think this is the kind of game where you will see Chris Drury really step up and become a leader (finally). He doesn’t have Gomez looking over his shoulder anymore, and he’s been on kind of a hot streak as far as his work is concerned. Cally will be grinding it out as usual. The second line is going to play a big role tomorrow night.

I think its safe to say that we’re going to give up some odd man rushes, because of the inexperience and the style of play, but this is where Hank needs to shine. And if we can keep getting production out of our back line, I don’t see any problem with giving up a 2 on 1 evey now and then.

One thing I noticed Monday night was that we seemed a step too slow on a lot of plays, or scoring opportunities were blown because a pass went to the skates instead of the stick. If I noticed that, then I’m positive Torts did too, and he’ll have it remedied.

The home crowd will make a difference too, and we all know Hank’s record against the Devils. I’m not too worried about this one.

I’m sure the Rangers will play better tonight. The Devils will be comming to play so it will be interesting. I think the Rangers will beat them easily though.

Mondays game points out a some problems… but we have depth and the ability to score.

Hank is a top goalie so we can keep us in any game.

Chad Johnson in Hartford better get focused. If Hank gets hurt we may need him!

I agree with the previous poster. Let’s give chad some games in the big league to see how he rsponds. Vally has spent the last three years on the bench and I doubt he would be insulted to be sent down for a couple. The kid looked great in preseaon and before the games become more and moe important, it mioght noe be a bad idea to give the kid a look. Just in case of course…

anyone know why tort didn’t play Vally sat night vs an awful leafs team, while saving henrik for the much better sharks. that would have seemed more logical

In the way we got spanked. If it was a 3-2 or 4-2 loss it wouldnt of been that dramatic. 7-2 is dramatic and the Rangers were forced back down to earth. And it was good it came against a western conf team instead of an eastern team or worse a divisional team. Didnt give up any points in the standings. And I agree totally w/ Joe F. It’s waaaaayyyy too early to give up on Vally. The guy was posting shutouts just last week. Relax guys he’s a good backup.

I hope so jm82.

I believe the rangers will be fine against the devils. I’m more excited about the kids stepping up and scoring( gilroy and del zotto) .you need to lose to good teams in order to become better, and i’m quite sure torts has them fired up! GO RANGERS!!!!!!