Rangers Lose In Shootout But Continue Battling

The New York Rangers backup goaltender was excellent in his first NHL start the rookie #29 Chad Johnson made some impressive saves.

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Early in the first period the NHL officials stayed to their usual routine and wasted no time.

#16 Sean Avery and Atlanta's #61 Maxim Afinogenov were called for matching roughing penalties.

If you saw the play you would clearly see that Maxim was the aggressor while S. Avery basically just laughed at him.

Soon #10 Marian Gaborik would draw a hooking penalty for the Blueshirts which should have resulted in a 5 on 3 powerplay.

Once Sean Avery left the penalty box he was crosschecked from behind into the boards in the offensive zone, but of course no call.

I understand the man's reputation say what you want about him the fact is he is doing what he is paid to do while the referees are failing to do their job.

How can you let your personal interests interfere with officiating professional sports?

What makes me mad is what seems little to so many people ends up costing the Rangers a lot of games over time.

I know if you look at the game recap you would see that New York had a lot more powerplays in the game, but that doesn't mean that the Thrashers should be given that many breaks in a very important game.

If you are on the same page with me don't expect anything to change as it seems the Ranger broadcasters want to take a blind eye to what is going on when they have the opportunity to be heard.

After a scoreless first period New York got on the board with a goal from #81 Enver Lisen that came off of a perfect tape to tape pass from #18 Marc Staal.

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The rookie goalie Chad Johnson managed to get an assist on the play which came from his ability to trust his defensemen in his own zone.

Chad doesn't try to do too much he is very steady in goal, and brings along a winning attitude as he stands out at such a young age.

Some of the saves he was making were unbelievable it shocked me to see how gifted he is already at the highest level of competition.

This is another option for Head Coach John Tortorella who already has starting net minder #30 Henrik Lundqvist who remains among the elite.

After 3 periods of regulation time C. Johnson stopped 29 out of 30 shots sending his team into overtime with a 1-1 tie.

Chad came up big in overtime with 4 key saves to give New York a chance to better themselves in the standings.

Although New York lost in the shootout they put up another point collecting 8 points in their last six games.

Scoring is still a problem for the New York I know they beat Dallas 5- 2 last game with Sean Avery putting up a goal and an assist against his former team, but they have to be consistent out there.

You have a young goalie playing his heart out there when Henrik Lundqvist keeps them in almost every other game they have to give them some support.

You cannot keep putting all of the weight onto your goal tenders shoulders it is time to build a stronger offensive unit.

If you watch a lot of the Ranger's games they are great at creating the play, but the key to being a great team is knowing how to finish.

Time to pound the opposing net minder with some shots because they are simply not getting enough scoring chances.

Watching #87 Donald Brashear I have to comment again that it is disgraceful to see him on the ice, on his 38th birthday tonight I saw a player who's retirement is long overdue.

At the end of last game against Dallas he was confronted of course he skated away then once the referees began holding him back he started to run his mouth.

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What is Donald's use to the team at this point? He doesn't put up any points, with his size he fails to produce the hits that he should, and is often afraid to fight the tougher players in the league.

#34 Aaron Voros was a healthy scratch from the lineup at least you know if you go with him in one of your four lines that he will bring his best effort to every game.

I am not saying that Aaron is your best option but between him and D. Brashear he most definitely gets the upper hand in playing ability.

At least A. Voros will crash the net and create some scoring opportunities.

I have seen players take him in a fight, but never have I seen him back down from a meeting of the fists.

The New York Rangers will play again on Saturday in Boston as they will take on the Bruins at 1:00 pm eastern time.