Brad Penner-Imagn ImagesThere are three ways for a Rangers fan to view last night's mess at MSG. You're either an optimist, a pessimist or a realist. Here goes:
IGOR SHESTERKIN: Optimist: Iggy is heading for the Vezina Trophy having given up one goal. (Open nets don't count.)
Pessimist: He couldn't even beat the Lovable Latvian vagabond backup Arturs Slivos.
Realist: Can't blame Igor. Nobody got him a goal.
NOAH LABA: Optimist: The rookie got 13:40 of ice time and looked good.
Pessimist: Yeah but he had no – repeat NO – shots on goal.
Realist: give the lad time.
ADAM FOX: Optimist: The one time Norris Trophy-winner had four takeaways. YAY, FOXY! Go, guy, go!
Pessimist: The former Prince of the power play quarterbacks helped deliver no PP goals out of two tries.
Realist: It's only a game.
ARTEMI PANARIN: Optimist: "We know we have a good team," says Breadman. (Really!)
Pessimist: Bready needed a sign on his jersey last night: BATTERIES NOT INCLUDED.
Realist: He's just over an injury.
BEST NEWS: The Blueshirts are only two points out of first place with 81 games to go!