Post-game Extra: Notes, Thoughts, Stats

Remember this one, Rangers fans: A costly loss when points are precious. 

The Rangers could be in fourth place in the East tomorrow night at this time. They still have a one point lead, but the Pens have a game in hand and play the Senators, who have been struggling.  The Rangers visit the Air Canada Center, and will have to play a harder, tougher, more physical game against the leafs, who will come out banging on the heels of a 4-3 win in Newark tonight.  Maybe that’s what the Rangers need.  And they will need a quality start from Martin Biron.

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“We’re going to have to correct the mistakes in less than a day,” said Brian Boyle.“We know we can’t play like that against any team in this league….We took a few chances towards the end….we need to e a little bit smarter and mentally sharper.”

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I expect to see Ruslan Fedotenko back in the lineup with Mats Zuccarello (broken left wrist) sidelined indefinitely.

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Some stats: Land of the Lost:  Del Zotto, Staal, Gaborik, all minus-3, Richards, Stepan, minus-2, and woe is me, Mitchell, minus-2 in just 4:32 on ice….Rangers won the faceoffs 52 percent to 48, and somehow were listed for only five giveaways…If you threw out the Friday paper---look back online for my preview. It served as a warning. Had gut feeling about Sabres, as you can read….Seconday scoring? Sabres won without stars Vanek and Roy on the sheet; Gaborik and Richards were ineffective and Rangers lost.