The Rangers' Core Can't Be Ripped Apart Fast Enough

Once upon a time the slumping Rangers could expect goalie Igor Shesterkin to bail them out of a slump. But that was long, long ago.

Now somebody's gotta bail out Iggy who's rapidly losing his demand to be the highest priced goalie in the NHL.

No, Shesty was not the only culprit in Carolina but he did blow a third period lead and he did lose to the Canes third-string goalie Spencer Martin.

You want other culprits? Start with the mock-captain Jacob Trouba who – were it possible – can't be traded fast enough. His minus-2 says it all.

Not surprisingly coach Peter Laviolette's defense failed again and – also no surprise – K'Andre Miller again was a minus.

My astute, hockey-playing grandson Ariel Fischler, is an avid Miller-watcher. Ariel's review: "K'Andre's theme song has to be 'I'm Lost.' Miller has gone under the radar in the worst way."

Oh, how I only wish that Mister Keen Tracer of Lost Persons took Ranger assignments.

Where, oh, where, have you gone: Mika Zabanejad, Vincent Trocheck and now – of all bakery stars, Breadman Panarin?

"It's encouraging that the bargain-basement players had a good game," says The Old Scout. "Unfortunately it didn't wake up the ones who counted."

Especially Mika who stubbornly is counted on over and over by Laviolette and never fails to fail the coach and team.

Blue Collar Blueshirts editor Sean McCaffrey makes a pertinent point: "How many times does the coach need to see Mika flail around. Laviolette is a head coach who absolutely refuses to make real changes."

Ah, but tomorrow is another day – in beautiful downtown Philly, home of our old pal John Tortorella. Actually – there is some blue on the Blueshirts horizon.

Start with Busy Bee Brett Berard alias BBBB. He got himself a goal and – at 5-9 – played like he was Matt Rempe, only 100 times better. For BBBB the future is now.

"Berard was buzzing all night," adds Ariel, "and was an impressive plus-2."

More happiness: Through this whole ugly mess, the Rangers have maintained a good cushion over the .500 mark (12-8-1) and – If The Maven has his way, Lavvy will start Jonathan Quick against the Flyers.