After the Buffalo game the Rangers were looking at seven games in thirteen days, Christmas, a Boxing day scuffle with the Islanders, and the rapidly approaching January 2nd outdoor match in Philly. Not exactly make or break, but still a very important signature point in the season. Do they roll? Derail? Or plod along in a win one lose one mode? The answer is roll with a roar, 8 wins 3 losses concluding with the Outdoor Classic win. Despite yesterdays questionable refereeing, the Rangers terminated a very tough segment by taking over first place in the conference with 52 points.

Ryan McDonagh still feeling his way around the League, force fed into a top pair position, by Coach John Tortorella this season, deserves some All Star Game votes. He latched onto a second pair spot last season with the intensity of a hungry Badger, showing the poise of a five year NHL vet, while paired with fellow rookie Michael Sauer. This seasons performance has been remarkable. Thrust into top pair duty replacing a concussed Marc Staal, his game has had a spectacular surge. He's to busy hammering down his legitimate NHL top pair status, to worry about the dreaded sophmore slump. He and Dan Girardi both belong in the All Star game.

This team grows on you like a belly over Christmas. Team efforts, night after night. Ranger fans pride in the team growing every day. Why? Because of unsung guys like John Mitchell, thats why. His performance against the islanders was so good, yet so unnoticed. Lost in the more obvious performances of Del Zotto, Dubinsky, Girardi, and the physical play of Stu Bickel.

Scolded, benched and forgiven all in one night. Does anyone expect anything but a "A" game from Brad Richards, in the land of Cactaceae. While not totally responsible for a rather feeble team effort in St. Louis. Richards has a duty to lead the way, and eliminate the word "slumping" from creeping into Ranger adjectives. He and his mates must bring their prickly, gritty, physical style to the Glendale Arena, and stop the slide at 2 games. 

A December Saturday night, a wander down to Buffalo, another W and the Rangers roll on. The Rangers continue morphing into a tough nut to crack come playoff time. A team receiving contributions from all hands nightly, is very difficult to beat over a seven game series. Torts has this team headed down that road.