Slumping Rangers Fall to Sabres 3-2 - Dec. 12th '09

Game Highlights:


John Tortorella continued his line-changing chaos as the Rangers lost to the Sabres in a game that saw all 5-goals scored before the halfway point. Pat Kaleta enjoyed his first professional two-goal game, featuring one short-handed marker, at the expense of Henrik Lundqvist.

The Rangers went 2-for-6 on the power play, but took 5 penalties themselves. Of course the Rangers broadcast team was praising Chris Drury for his penalty killing skills, but having a knack for picking off the oppositions pass isn't really worth $7.05 mil/season to this Blueshirt fan. At least it wasn't worth the league-minimum $0.55 it would of taken to keep Blair Betts.

* John Tortorella continued to force Ryan Callahan into the power-play and he actually scored a goal, but was -3 otherwise. He now has 2 goals in 4 games, and 3 in 7.

* He also continued to force-feed Chris Drury power-play time, who went pointless for his 4th game in a row, and without a goal for his 17th game in a row. Yet, MSG continues to broadcast the Player Profile: Chris Drury special before and after every game. My biggest memory of Chris Drury in this game was his presence on the power play in the final minutes. He passed the puck back and forth with Michael Del Zotto for a few moments until it was poked away. Michael Del Zotto looked like he was dishing 1-timers and Chris Drury just looked lost. John Tortorella said he was 'goin with his gut'. Captain Cluth, my ass.

* PA Parenteau was sent down after this game, in which he went scoreless 9 minutes of ice time and was one of only 8 players who were not a - (minus) in this game. Tortorella continues to demote the kids, but awards players like Drury with crucial power play time.

Henrik Lundqvist, Ryan Callahan Post-Game:


John Tortorella Post-Game: