The Staal-Gilroy point is a great one as well.

Lundqvist, compared to last year, has a slightly higher S% and is facing a lot more quality chances under this offense-first system. We are all in for an unpleasant surprise when Lundqvist hits his inevitable slump; when teams start finishing all those breakaways they get, we’re gonna realize just how sharp Qvist has been to this point. Sorry if I am repeating myself, I just think he’s been great, and I was surprised to find out that most people don’t agree with that.

Minus this Washington game tonight, the Rangers are facing 4 very beatable teams. If they can rip 4 of the next 5 they will be in good shape.

I know that this has less to do with the Rangers themselves but the officiating has been shitty at times in regards to the Rangers. I can think of a few times where the officials have killed the Rangers momentum or robbed them of a chance.
For example the Atlanta game when Del Zotto got called for a dive. Bad call. A five on three could have easily evened that game.
I mean most teams can say that but I to have it happen at really pivotal times during the games the Rangers have to hating the officials sometimes.

Unexpected Surprises:
Michael DelZotto – after some horribly weak defensive play in the early games, has become much more attuned to the speed of the NHL game and more responsible in his own end. And of course his simply shocking passing ability tied in with his overall ability to see the play develop.

Vinny Prospal – I suspected that Torts would go after him as soon as the TBL buyout was announced. And got trashed for it (on other boards). Best $1.1mm Sather ever spent.

Enver Lisin – I had no great hopes for this kid – deep down I was expecting “Zherdev II – Disappearance Returns”. Instead, we’ve got a guy with a lot of potential who seems to give it all (or at least 90%) when he’s on the ice – isn’t afraid to take or give the body, and can pass and skate.

Brian Boyle – I can see him getting more ice time with the current injuries. Faster on his skates than expected. Started out winning all the face-offs, now can’t buy one. Put his big body in front of the net and create havoc on power plays, please.

Unexpected DIsappointments (but the jury is still out):
Chris Higgins – might be finding his game now – didn’t expect that he’d need to find it.
Chris Drury – I’m not as down on him as others – but it’s definitely disappointing that he’s not scoring.
Sean Avery – wherefore art thou?? Will we see the Sean of Ottawa regularly now?? I hope so – he’s needed and missed.
Ryan Callahan – like Higgins – doing lots right, but not scoring – even when staring at an empty net. C’mon man!!
Donald Brashear – probably due to injury – whether it was concussion or hand – but he’s been a total non-factor. And he NEEDS to be a factor – otherwise he’s wasting (cap) space.
Wade Redden – hasn’t stepped up as I thought he would under this system. Dreadful at times, competent the rest. Meh.
Michal Rozsival – ugh. Bad start – really really bad. Settled down – but still not performing as he should.

As expected:
Marian Gaborik – what a joy to watch. Hope he can stay healthy.
Ales Kotalik – not lined up with Drury – which I expected. Big part of the success of the Power Play.
Artem Anisimov – learning what it takes to play at this level, and still contributing, although we should expect a bit more from him.
Matt Gilroy – same as Artie
Marc Staal – trying to do too much, and not doing anything “great”. Maybe in the last couple of days Torts has also figured this out (although given Redden more ice-time scares the bejeezus out of me….)
Dan Girardi – same as above.
Steve Valiquette – one bad game. Will still see plenty of time in goal and needs to be ready.
King Henrik Lundqvist – flashes of brilliance and shadows of mediocrity. Overall about where you’d think – needs to stay sharp – and healthy.

Please! Make it go away!!:
Aaron Voros – I had high hopes for this guy – on a personal level he’s likable and all, but since about game 5 have essentially given up. An excess of lazy/stupid penalties (tell me you don’t expect the whistle and raised arm every time he’s on the ice ??), bah ! Why go on? He’s fine for 6 minutes when everybody else needs a blow – IF he can stay out of the box.

Coaching Staff: Mixed bag. We don’t know what goes on in the locker room or in meetings – but as others have mentioned, this team does not seem to exude the passion and fire their coach does. Perhaps the fear of riding pine for a mistake tempers their enthusiasm. Where’s the 7th d-man ?? I think that’s part of the problem that they should have solved already.

The Rangers forwards are an improvement over last year – the hockey is more exciting to watch and you can see the tons of potential.

While the defense is also improved from an offensive standpoint – they are not improved in all other aspects. Some of this may be pairings and expected responsibilities, but they are not tough/gritty/mean enough in their own end. And with the current personnel, that’s not going to change much. This is the “missing link” as far as I’m concerned – exhibited in the lack of retribution when Hank gets tanked. Staal has the balls to do it – but he’s holding back, I suspect, because he knows that if he gets penalized they’re in a world of hurt.

Sorry for the lack of brevity – got on a roll and couldn’t stop….

not make the “whats going wrong” list. the guy plain sucks and is a disgrace to the C