Here are some takeaways from The Maven on what Ranger players had to say during their exit interviews.
This is up to you so form your opinions – as I have – and see which Rangers out-of-the playoffs sob story you choose.
BIGGEST LOSS: Jimmy Vesey; The super-all-purpose forward revealed that a Ryan Lomberg (legal) check separated his shoulder. Jim's absence disrupted what had been a solid fourth line. It forced Peter Laviolette to make assorted changes. None of them worked.
MAVEN COMMENT: Torpedoing Vesey was both a testament to the success of Florida's "Wear 'Em Down And Win" strategy as much as to how Lavvy could not find a way to dilute it. Good on Cats; bad on the coach.
COURAGEOUS LINDGREN: Playing with a cracked rib did not break Ryan's effective defense. He worked the blue line as if he was in mint condition; which is more than can be said for some of his struggling mates.
MAVEN COMMENT: As always – hurt or not – Lindgren delivered standout hockey with no whimper nor headlines. He was the MVP on the blue line and was more a leader with his actions than Jake Trouba with his words.
NOT SO FOXY FOX: For months we were left guessing why the one-time Norris Trophy-winner was playing more like a Snore-ish Wooden Medal recipient. At long last, Fox reveals that he "re-aggravated" a knee injury suffered last November. "I was able to play," Adam says, "and tried my best."
MAVEN COMMENT: One reader disagrees, claiming that it was "selfish" of Fox not to take himself out of the lineup. It was evident to all eyes that Fox's game had deteriorated and just about everyone – except possibly the Martians – knew that the guy was hurting. It was nice that he "tried my best" but that kind of best did his club no good. Compared to the Adam we knew and loved, his "best" was the worst.
THE TROUBA BOO-BOO: Broken ankle injury or not, Trouba arguably was the worst Blueshirt defenseman give or take K'Andre Miller. Every aspect of Jake's game was sub-par.
MAVEN COMMENT: Like Fox, Trouba should have realized that he was hurting – not helping – the team by staying in there. Zac Jones would have been the logical available replacement. Then there was Chad Ruhwedel who Chris Drury obtained from the Penguins for just such a situation; replacing an injured regular. Yet another coaching oversight-blunder.
BROKEN WHEELER: When the season opened, Blake was penciled in as the club's second best right wing, following Kaapo Kakko. Signing a 38-year-old was a Chris Drury gamble that was ruined by a serious injury.
MAVEN COMMENT: The second Wheeler gamble was the general staff believing that – seemingly recovered – he could help in the Florida series. It was a noble thought but Blake not only cost the Rangers a game with a bad penalty but also was not fit for playoff action. Do not expect him back with the Blueshirts.
WISE GUY SHESTY: Easily the Rangers three-round MVP, Iggy is due for one of the biggest salary hikes in NHL history. When he was asked about it in the post-series schmooze, Shesterkin put on a straight face and said, "I don't speak English."
MAVEN COMMENT: Igor's agent speaks English and Dollars!