WA-NYR-TradeRumours How terribly awful, unbearable and dismaying have the Rangers become? Try this once unthinkable thought on for size: THEY WON'T MAKE THE PLAYOFFS! At least not at the rate they're going – and in reverse! The Maven does not say this glibly, but rather with insights, savvy feedback and most of all Manhattan street smarts. Other ice seers agree with me. "The Rangers are now tough to watch," reported my Florida correspondent Al Greenberg after last night's 6-2 drubbing in Tampa Bay. Big Al may have understated the case. MSG Networks' broadcasters Sam Rosen, Joe Micheletti and Brian Burke each had a bone to pick with the Sweethearts of Seventh Avenue. And it was a raw bone, not a tasty one at that. Boyle practically pleaded with the suddenly softest team in the NHL to "play more physical" even "violent." To put it another unsavory way, what's wrong with this once-proud franchise now is answerable with one word: EVERYTHING! (NOTE OF TRANSPARENCY: Prior to the Bolts' game, I predicted a 3-1 Blueshirt win on the basis of urgency and the once reliable goalkeeping of Igor Shesterkin. Publisher Sean McCaffrey of Blue Collar Blueshirts, predicted 8-1 for Tampa Bay. I listened but foolishly did not heed.) Shesterkin – now Mr. UNreliable – was yanked after allowing five goals before the game was half over. Instead of staying on the bench with his buddies, Igor disappeared. "That was a defiant act," said McCaffrey, "featuring horrible optics." (Shesty showed up for the third period.) By the way Shesterkin has now lost ten of his last thirteen games.) The Rangers now occupy last place in the Met Division; an almost unreal two games under .500. They next visit the Champion Panthers tomorrow night in Sunrise. 'Nuff said!
