In fairness – this is what I saw out of Redden in preseason and the first couple of games. And I said the same thing then. And I still think that the “Tortorella system” is a better one for him to succeed in than the “Renney system”.

I only hope that he continues to play at this level. Because if he doesn’t – his 6.5mm cap hit hurts in the worst possible way.

Honestly, I’ve been a Ranger fan since JD tended net and $5 was worth as much as a blue seat as a look from Carol Alt … but, not to go on a rant here, this team has been CARRIED the last three games by a hot goalie. Granted, their PP is still one of the shining spots on this team, but overall, the scouting report on this team would read – “Doesn’t pass tape to tape, single threat scoring, soft defense that coughs up the puck under pressure, and generally easy to play against. Teams that are willing to get their nose dirty going to the net will be rewarded and rarely punished.” The ISLANDERS! cycled so well, that I mistook the rangers for a kids soccer team chasing the puck around their zone in groups.

Paul Maurice said it best, “Torts rides his top line hard”; he has to, the rest of the team lacks punch. If the Ranger coaching staff has a breakout scheme, the players either don’t know what it is, or can’t execute it. While I’m excited about the six points recently, how long will the adrenaline and fear of benching last. I’m glad Torts finally recognized the “feeling of entilement around NY”. For too long the garden has been a place for aging has-beens to pasture.

For those of you suggesting Rozi is playing well, MDZ makes the same plays more often and costs a fraction of the price, plus his first pass out of the zone is a threat to stretch the opposing defense. Stall is one of the few defensemen that will “take the hit to make the play”. Somehow, I hope our two albatrosses play well for a few games, maybe our clueless GM can get another sucker to accept a trade for them, free up some cap room and get our kids to infuse some energy and heart back into this organization.

I miss the days when the rumble of the garden wasn’t filled with ire toward our own system, GM and players. Opposing teams should step on the ice a little afraid for their own safety, knowing they are in for 60 minutes of battle.

I certainly like Tortorella as a coach and I sometimes think he is underrated. He is the main reason they won the last 3 games. Staal also showed up last night in a big way. Looks like better times for the Rangers!

as always, props for the analysis joe.
the team has looked way more composed and focused as a group than in previous efforts, and some credit is due to torts.

(off topic?)
as a hockey fan, or sports fan in general, i always seem to overreact when my team is playing well or not playing well. this is (Dec13th-Jan2nd), by far, the easiest stretch of games we have this season, and its also easier than any other stretch of games i could find anywhere else in the NHL. we should be banking on 4-1-1 until we meet dallas. from that point on the games will get more and more difficult. come jan25th, after some tests in canada and out west, we’ll be able to see if this is a real hockey team. i just wanna see sidney cry one more time.

Anyone see the Gilroy fans behind the bench? Girl wearing a B U Gilroy Jersey. I bet it was a sister….or a stalker.

Although I agree with most of what you said Joe, I’m not ready to get too excited. It’s hard to think we have “found our game” and are all of a sudden a winning team when we’ve beaten the 3 worst teams in the conference.

I’ll be excited if we go 7-3 in our next 10 including a win against NJ. If this team is a “playoff team” this should not be too unrealistic.. Although 5 of the games are against playoff teams, 2 v. Boston, 1 v. Atlanta, 1 v. Florida and 1 v. NJ. only 1 of those teams is a “top” level playoff team. The others could drop out of the playoff picture in 2 games.

7-3 is what I want for Christmas. 5-4-1 is what I expect. Still cheering loud, just being realistic.