How would Torts being the head coach change the fact that Hank is playing like crap this year and is the primary reason for the bulk of the Rangers losses? Not blaming AV for Hank sucking either but this has been Hank's 7th stinker in a row and AV has a more than able backup in Talbot growing rust on the pine. BS call on McD but Hank gets beat on a flutterpuck by Clutterbuck? Then caught between after a bad bounce gets by McD grabbing at air on a breakaway by Grabner? Give Hank a break every 3-4 games AV, he and his screwed up head need it.
I know it's AV's first year and he's been dealt a lousy hand in a game he's unfamiliar with but that doesn't mean he can oversee half-assed hockey because next year will be different. This Ranger team comes out flat and unmotivated to start every damn game now, part of it is lack of confidence but there are also certain guys that can play with 50-75% effort with no worries while others make one mistake and they're in the doghouse. Obviously there's going to be turnover on next year's roster but AV seems hesitant to put young guys like Miller and McIlrath in the lineup, their mistakes could be no worse than the everygame buffoonery of D. Moore or Girardi and his one knee shot blocking technique. Fast has been a nice addition, he seems to be developing an edge to his game that can't be learned in the AHL, let McIlrath do the same.
The Rangers are probably at rock bottom now, whether they can rebound and make something happen rests on the shoulders of their superstars and AV. Nash needs to stop the ice dancing and start putting shots on goal, don't care if they're slapshots from the blue line, same with Richards. Gotta keep the faith at least until pitchers and catchers report, should know the Rangers fate by then. I still think this team collectively could not be playing worse hockey now, AV needs to establish himself.
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