Blue Notes

As we are so often reminded by philosophers and talk-show hosts, some things were never meant to last.

So batten down the hatches.

Don'tcha get the feeling this season's gonna be a stormy trip?

They say you can't change the wind, that you can only adjust the sails, and Captain Renney better check the rigging as the Rangers will soon leave the Isle of Manhattan for points north, west (Cali) and south. Ten of the next 13 games are on the road.

Maybe it'll be good to get fresh air in the lungs. Certainly the scent left in the Garden by Wednesday night's performance was unhealthy.

Having spent many summers near and on the water, whether it be the Jersey shore or Long Beach or the East End--and some glorious winter weeks in south Florida and the Caribbean---I've always believed "the sea air is my tonic", as some old salt wrote.

Actually, maybe we need to rub some salt in the Rangers' wounds.

The lads didn't skate today, so perhaps it's time to offer up some creative remedies, since all that that "team-building" has really worked out well so far, huh?

1. Get some more speed into the lineup. Petr Prucha and Nigel Dawes are woefully underused.
2. Send a message by benching a regular. Worked with Nylander and Poti last season. Candidates: Malik, Rachunek. Can we get a longer look at Pock?
3. Be careful with Ozolinsh. He might help the PP, but cost you elsewhere.
4. Practice breakout passes and vary the system. Teams are figuring out that you can press the Rangers and they'll cough up the puck.

We await to be illuminated by your suggestions. And let's keep it civilized, OK?
I'll check back later....
And if you're on your bike tonight, don't forget to wear white...
Cheers