Ranger Fans: Put down your copy of Chicken Little!! It is only 2 games.

That said, the Rangers total lack of discipline and defensive focus is troublesome. Fully expect Tortorella’s next video session to be animated and loud. I never thought I would witness a Tortorella coached team in desperate need of an early-season wake-up call.

Here are some of the issues that Tortorella will be addressing over the short two day break.

Outside of a couple of players, namely Callahan, the team seems to have lost its willingness to sacrifice their bodies to block shots. Unlike last year, shots are routinely getting through to Lundqvist forcing Hank into difficult  saves, especially on deflected shots.

The Ranger forwards are spending too much time on the periphery. Emphasis on creating the perfect play and the high-risk drop passes led to turnovers and opponents scoring chances. Are you listening Brad Richards?  The Rangers need to regain their Mojo and drive to the net and play in the dirty areas. The Rangers are at their best when their  forwards play a physical game. The Rangers are not the Montreal Canadiens as they have the size to play a hard-nosed physical game.

Stupid penalties are sapping what little momentum the Rangers generate. Richards, Hagelin, and Boyle all took lazy penalties that led to power-play goals. I would not be surprised to Tortorella punish stars players if the laziness continues.

But before we all rush to the Brooklyn Bridge again, the Rangers’ schedule opened with four difficult games against the Penguins, Flyers, and two with the Bruins. Each of these teams is a legitimate contender to reach the Stanley Cup finals and match up well physicaly and talent-wise with the Rangers. Only the most optimistic fan expected the Rangers to win all these games. Well maybe the Flyers! At some point,  the Rangers will play the weaker teams which should help them improve their positon in the standings.

Let’s all hope Wednesday night is different!