The backwards mindset

They just don't get it

I would have loved to have done a full report on the Baby Ranger's game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Traverse City but there wasn't any live audio or video of the game. The Rangers either by choice or by NHL edict are not showing the games of Traverse City after doing so in the past.

If it is a decision that the Rangers made then once again they miss out on an opportunity to earn points with the Ranger fans. Sadly the Rangers like the rest of the NHL leadership take for granted the loyalty of their fans. After such a disappointing ending to the 2012-2013 season, you would think the Rangers would try to create a positive buzz regarding this year's team.

With a new coaching staff in place why not give the fans a glimpse of what the fans might expect to see from this year's team? Why not after slapping the fans with seat changes and ticket price increases that the Rangers would do something for the fans?

I have to admit that I have a growing disillusionment with the Rangers which has played a big factor in why there was an extended absence for me here. When I said there wasn't anything for me to write about when it came to the Ranger prospects, what I should have said that I did not want to spend my summer writing about the loss of faith that I am developing with the Rangers.

I look at the prospect pool that the Rangers have and I see 7 possible forwards over the next 6-7 years. On defense the numbers are worse with just 2 having NHL material and sorry in the goalies there isn't one who I believe could develop into a replacement for Henrik.

Don't get me wrong I don't want to turn this place into a whiner's home as I want to be wrong about this but the Rangers just keep making moves that just add fuel to the growing fire. Of course when you look at the Carolina game that the Baby Rangers made a liar out of me with their effort.

Carolina Game


The highlights offered teases of what was good about the baby Rangers and I have to admit I was impressed by Paxton Leroux's KO as not often do you see a button shot (clean punch to nose/jaw area) drop someone. They were 2 for 5 on the power play and for the most part outplayed Carolina.

The Josh Nicholls's goal was the kind to expect from him as Nicholls uses his size to camp out in the crease area. His hand/eye coordination is equally impressive.

Andrew Yogan's goal was the kind of play you can expect out of Michael St. Croix as his behind the back pass was an example of St. Croix's vision on the ice. The "Predator" knows where his teammates are especially on the power play.

The frustration comes when you can't get a sense of the flow of the game nor can you realize that Carolina had a much more talented team than the Rangers. This would have been something that Ranger fans would have enjoyed despite the loss.