Rangers fall to the Thrashers in OT

Another one goal loss. It's the 22nd one goal loss of the season for the Blueshirts, in a season that's got "What if?" written all over it if they don't make the playoffs or at that get very far in the playoffs. A season that started off very slow despite high expectations, the Rangers seem to be a team that just doesn't catch many breaks. They're been hot and cold all season, their off-season moves for the most part didn't quite pan out as planned as the only one that's really contributing come crunch time is Matt Cullen, although I don't think it would be fair to not mention Brendan Shanahan and how great he's been for this team.

With the loss comes a lot of frustration. The Rangers would've gone back into 8th place with a win Friday night. They outplayed the Thrashers for much of this game, they out shot the Thrashers 39-22, 15-4 in the 3rd period. Both goaltenders, products of Sweden, were excellent. Unfortunately for the Rangers this game didn't go to a shootout, where Henrik Lundqvist shines. Matt Cullen was called for holding in the overtime period, and the Thrashers cashed in.

One very positive note about tonight's game has to be the play of the Rangers youngsters. Ryan Callahan dressed after being called-up on an emergency basis to replace Ryan Hollweg who's got the flu. Callahan was very impressive and was part of the Rangers most productive line, teaming up with Matt Cullen and Sean Avery. Cullen, Avery, and Callahan played 3 of the last 4 shifts in the 3rd period and applied tremendous pressure. Brandon Dubinsky also played a very impressive game, usually on a line with Martin Straka and and Petr Prucha. Daniel Girardi continued to play very solid defense. Defenseman David Liffiton didn't get much ice time in what was only his 2nd NHL game.

Look for the Rangers to sign defenseman Jason Strudwick within the next few days, he skated with the team in practice before the Thrashers game and once he's signed and clears waivers he's expected to take the 6th defenseman spot until Fedor Tyutin is healthy and for David Liffiton to be sent back to Hartford.

The Rangers play again Saturday night against the Bruins. Should the Rangers win this game, especially in regulation, it could really be the end to the Bruins season. They're hanging on by a thread in the playoff race. The Rangers need points as Carolina, Montreal, Toronto, and the Islanders are all playing Saturday as well.