I might as well have had high expectations for this game because the outcome let me down as if I did.
I said in my last entry that I didn't expect to win this game - That didn't change. When the game was tied 2-2 going into the third I was just hoping for a point. When we got through the 10 minute mark of the 3rd I thought we'd accomplish that.
I should have known better.
That third period was pretty much indicative of what third periods have been under Tortorella. I don't think its a coaching thing as much as its a conditioning issue (which is why Torts runs the most physically taxing fall camp in hockey) and these guys were playing Renney hockey for almost the whole year - its hard to adjust this late in the year.
The only sliver lining of this game - alteast the 4th goal wasnt the one that broke the tie.
3 up
1. Ryan Callahan - Again, he was around the puck, got an assist, could have scored like 6 goals tonight but came up with nothing.
2. Blair Betts - Excellent job on the PK and broke up 3 plays by himself after an awful giveaway by Orr (why does he ever play in the third)
3. That blonde behind Tortorella - if you watched the game you know what im talking about
3 down
1. Nik Antropov - Worst game as a ranger yet. 1.5 of the goals against were on him
2. Wade Redden - the other .5 of the third goal was on him. I dont think hes ever looked slower
3. Kluivert4ever - no explaination needed.
Next game - Saturday at Boston. I can see this one going either way. I feel better about playing the Bruins than playing the Hurricanes. Thank God there is virtually no way we'll see the Canes in the playoffs (if we make it) in round 1.
