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31

Rangers Lose to Ottawa in a SO and Make Some Changes

October 31, 2011 | Posted by Leslie Treff

On paper, the Rangers looked like a rejuvenated team on Saturday afternoon, scoring four unanswered goals against the Ottawa Senators, taking advantage of all the breaks they were given in the second and third periods of the game, before giving up three straight in ten minutes and losing to the Sens 5-4 in a shootout.

The good news is that both Marian Gaborik and Brad Richards really looked like they played inspired hockey. And Wojtek Wolski appeared to be completely back from his injury, and playing hard on every shift. And Mike Sauer did so many little things right, its hard to put into words his quiet value to this team. His stickwork and positioning are superb, as is his steady control of the puck when its on his stick.

That is the good news; at least there is some. The bad news is that the Rangers have continued to put very few shots on net, and they had not been watching Ottawa’s last few games–where the Sens beat teams in the very last minutes–and seemed unprepared for the onslaught that was to face them in the later stages of the game. The Senators had surprised Columbus just a week before, tying the game at just over a half minute left in the contest and then winning with just 4 seconds in regulation. Or when three days later, after losing the lead, the Sens came roaring back to win 4-3 in a shootout. Or finally, on Thursday, when Ottawa scored the game winner with just a little over 2 seconds left to wipe out the Florida Panthers.

So when, the Rangers took a 4-1 lead at 8:05 in the third period, New York should have been aware that the Sens were going to come after them. Instead, the Blueshirts let up–and let in three goals in a little over eight minutes. After Ottawa tied the game, it went into overtime, which then led to a shootout. Milan Michalek was the only shooter to score in the SO, so the Rangers lost the game and any momentum they gained by their four straight goals.

After the game, management understandably decided to shake things up. Kris Newbury, who had been completely ineffective since being called up from the AHL affiliate, was reassigned back to Connecticut. Given Mike Rupp’s knee injury, the Rangers called up the combo tough guy/offensive producer Andre Deveaux, who has posted six points in nine games with the Whale this season, including a team-high four goals. Deveaux can be a good player, but he must play a consistently smart game to be effective. He has the tools to throw his weight around on the ice and contribute offensively in a bottom six role, but only if he does not take foolish penalties. It remains to be seen which Deveaux shows up tonight.

On defense, the Rangers reassigned Tim Erixon to Hartford. Erixon had been pressed into NHL service before he was ready, due to the injuries to Marc Staal and Sauer, but he really needs time in the AHL to develop. The Rangers were hoping that it would not hurt him to develop at the highest level, but Erixon is clearly not ready, and keeping him in the NHL could have long term negative effects on a prospect who is expected to become a major contributor in the future. The question is, who will take his place? Rumors abound of a trade or a UFA signing. Clearly a second to third pairing blueliner is needed, but when this transaction will be concluded is anybody’s guess.

The rumor mill also has Sean Avery returning to the NHL team after spending more than a week with the AHL Whale. Avery would have to clear re-entry waivers, so he would not be available for tonight’s game, but it does appear that he will rejoin the Rangers this week. While in Connecticut, Avery appeared in two games and scored an empty netter against Adirondack on Friday night (and then added a fight) and then had a shootout goal against Worcester on Saturday. Otherwise, he did not record any other points during his AHL tenure.

The Rangers meet San Jose tonight, and will get the opportunity to play against a team that is expected to go far in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Over the last two weeks, the Sharks have scored at least three goals in every game that they have played, which should prove a test for the Rangers’ blueline. There was a spark offensively for the Rangers on Saturday, which very well may carry over to this game, so don’t count them out tonight. It should be a very interesting evening.