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New York Rangers: The Blame Game

Chris Wengert
New York Rangers, Mats Zuccarello
Photo by Bergen Record

Marc Staal / Dan Girardi

Is it easy to blame these two? Yes. Do they deserve it? Yes.

Some have been saying that Marc Staal is in decline, but I believe it is all in his head. Staal will often overcompensate for blown coverage, leaving opponents open in front of the net:

This does not excuse him for his lack of physical play though, as he has no presence in front of the net.

Dan Girardi has become the go-to goat for Ranger fans, but it is tough to diagnose players mistakes when they are injured.

Girardi is a warrior, but he shouldn’t be playing with a cracked kneecap. The injury is obviously inhibiting his play and the last thing the Rangers need is a defenseman playing at 75%.

Alain Vigneault should insert Dylan McIlrath into the lineup, who has proven that he can be a solid defender.

That brings us to our next guilty party:

Chris Wengert
Chris Wengert

I've been a die hard Rangers and Giants fan for as long as I can remember. I enjoy sharing opinions, and hearing from fans that love their teams just as much as I do. Henrik Lundqvist makes all of us look like mere mortals.

E-mail me at: Chris.Wengert@elitesportsny.com