from Larry Brooks of the NY Post,

Everyone understood this team would be more top-heavy following an offseason in which Rick Nash came but Brandon Dubinsky, Artem Anisimov, Ruslan Fedotenko and Brandon Prust departed. Everyone could see the added skill level. But the Rangers, a guts-’n-glory team if there ever were one, seem to be grappling for an identity in this new season.

Nearly all of last night’s chances were developed off the rush, many keyed by precocious young guns J.T. Miller and Chris Kreider, entrusted with all the ice time they could handle. But play below the hash marks was sparing — as was the Rangers’ ability to create or win puck battles.

“We have spurts where we play below the hash marks and try to wear the other team down, but we haven’t been able to do that consistently,” Marc Staal said. “We have the talent to be creative off the rush, but we can’t get away from grinding.

“That’s the way we have to play.”

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