Problems Ahead?

The Rangers have hit their first rough patch of the season. After coming home from a successful road trip, they dropped one-goal games to Vancouver and Colorado before losing to New Jersey 3-1 last night. The loss leaves the Rangers with a one point lead over second place Philadelphia.

Things started off well for the Rangers as Steve Ruchin scored on a great assist by Petr Prucha and the Rangers took a 1-0 lead deep into the third period. After killing four penalties in the period, it looked like the Rangers would escape with a win, but Brian Gionta scored with under five minutes to go and Alexander Mogilny added the go-ahead goal just 16 seconds later on a freak deflection. John Madden added an empty netter to put the game away.

Thing will not get any easier for the Rangers as they face Tampa on Thursday night before heading to Ottawa and Long Island next week.

Photo by AP/Julie Jacobson via Yahoo

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By Peter Trinkle on December 21, 2005 3:47 PM

Comments [rss]

Raph

My theory is that the Rangers exist only to torment their fans. The surprising early season results can only be a setup for a excruciating tailspin during the rest of the season.

Truthfully, they have been playing over their heads. Too many penalties, not physical enough...

grace

GUNEW YORKER FOREVERESS WHAT ELSE DO THEY HAVE TO OFFERDONT YOU THINK PEOPLE DESERVE TO LIVE NOT EVERYONE WANTS THE AMERICAN DREAM

Toby

I used to be a rabid hockey fan, then the labour problems happened. Now I could care less about it. I tried watching, but its not the same as it was thanks to the stupid rule changes.

kwanito

Nope, I relish this new style. The game might be less physical in front of the net, but still scrappy in the corners. Cycling, a key part of hockey, is more fun to watch. I'm somewhat nostalgic, but still a True Blue fan.

Art Soldier

Is it just me, or does anyone else think that the new style of play sucks? It reminds me of 4 on 4 hockey -- wide open, with little strategy involved. I miss the old game.