Rangers wary of letdown against Carolina
New York Rangers head coach John Tortorella, top center, watches the game against the Florida Panthers in the third period. (Nov. 23, 2011) Credit: AP Photo/Alan Diaz
GREENBURGH, N.Y. -- After a three-game win streak against top conference foes Washington, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, the Rangers don't feel like an elite team just yet.
They do feel good, however.
"I think the past two or three games has been as close to our identity as we've gotten this year," coach John Tortorella said Wednesday before the Rangers headed to Raleigh, N.C., to face the struggling Carolina Hurricanes Thursday night.
Carolina is 8-14-4 and will be playing its second game under coach Kirk Muller, who replaced the fired Paul Maurice on Monday. The first was a 3-1 home loss to Florida.
So after the high intensity of the last three outings, the Rangers (13-5-3) will be looking to avoid a classic letdown game.
"It's an important point," Tortorella said. "I don't think any team is a bad team in this league. They have struggled; I know their record tells you that. But they're a good hockey club.
"I'd be lying if I said when you play a division game, it is a different type of atmosphere, a different type of game. But you go into Carolina, it's one of the loudest buildings in the league, it's got a great atmosphere. We're not a good enough team to just think about the momentum of a Pittsburgh and a Philly game. For us to continue to try to stay with it and give ourselves an opportunity to win, we need to be ready every night."
Even so, on a day that included a light practice, there was no denying the Rangers feel like they are on the right track. Stars Brad Richards and Marian Gaborik have been leading the way, but Tortorella has been happy lately with all four lines and the team's defense. And the goaltending is stellar.
"We have a good feeling in the locker room," goalie Henrik Lundqvist said.
Now all they have to do is keep it going.
Notes & quotes: The Rangers placed Andre Deveaux on waivers. Deveaux, who just finished serving a three-game suspension, still could be sent to Connecticut (AHL) if he clears . . . Injured Rangers Marc Staal, Wojtek Wolski and Mike Rupp will travel with the team for the second straight road trip to continue working with trainers. Staal (concussion) also has been skating on his own. There is no timetable for his return.
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