I mean let's not kid ourselves, this isn't a Cup winning team we are seeing lately - if they are having trouble dominating a basement dweller who has 12 regulars out of the lineup then what's going to happen when the first round starts against a playoff team.
We'll - I'll tell you:
1. The playoffs are a completely different game. You can amp yourself up as much as you want for a reg season contest as much as you want, but it's still just a regular season game. Going into a playoff game, the feeling and focus of an athlete completely changes. And with the type of personalities on this team - we've seen it in the past. Doesnt make it right but I feel thats part of whats going on.
2. The collection of players on this team have more experience and cups than last season. It counts for something. The Rangers are the type of team that can flip the switch when needed. Its certainly not ideal, because bad habits die hard - but I expect this team to rachet up their level of play and attention to detail once things get close.
3. There are still 18 games left and this team has dealt with a lot of self inflicted roster issues and injuries. Hopefully theyll settle into a groove here the next few weeks.
Thats my positive half-is-glass full take on the team.
My rational mind tells me that while all of that is very possible, this club isnt screaming "dominant" cup contender. They are finding themselves down in way too many games, their goaltending has been erratic and their decision making has been frustratingly poor.
Their defense, both from the forwards and defensemen around their net is a mess. Way too spastic. The mental errors of mis-managing the puck needs to come to an end and quickly. We arent seeing a consistent flow to their game and you could say that has to do with injuries and all of the new personnel, but its been going on longer than that.
This team needs a stretch of 2-3 total goal games, whether they are on the winning or losing end doesnt matter. With all of the issues they've had and Igors struggles they are still a top 10 defense in the league, although they are slipping quickly. Its frustrating to watch for sure and they are better than this.