Remarkably Inconsistent Rangers

After 16 games, the Rangers are sitting at a 9-6-1 record, and we have seen some good things and some bad. Last night, we saw more of the latter. The Rangers fell 4-1 in a late night confrontation with the Kings, and they continue to lack secondary scoring.

The one goal for the Blueshirts was scored by Christopher Higgins. Yes, you read that right. He actually scored a goal. He followed that by thanking the man above in what was kind of a funny scene. Not to put a damper on his moment, but Raycroft should have stopped the shot.

It’s nice for Higgins to get his first, seeing as he is on a contract year. The focus on him brings up a good point. The Rangers are lacking in secondary scoring. They have Gaborik leading the way with 11 goals, and Ales Kotalik sits at second place with five. Guys like Del Zotto and Prospal have added some goals as well, but there are noticable guys who have not been getting the job done.

Other than Higgins, a couple of guys who definitely have the spotlight on them for their lack of production are Chris Drury, Sean Avery and Ryan Callahan.

These are three guys who put it all on the line and can’t be chastized for not hustling, but professional sports is a results business. Coach Torterella has hinted that benchings could happen, and I wouldn’t be against it if it lit a fire under someone’s rear end.

The Rangers can’t depend solely on Gaborik. We all know the warnings that come along with the star winger. We all hold our breath every time he is hit, but he can be a superstar when healthy. Guys like Brandon Dubinsky need to step it up. The Rangers need other guys to draw some attention away from Gaborik.

Same old Rangers. We have always had the top guy, but he never gets any support. We’ll see how this develops.