from Larry Brooks of the New York Post,

Following Monday’s 5-0 defeat to the Lightning in Tampa, Fla., the Blueshirts were averaging 2.0 goals-per-game while splitting their first 24 matches after averaging 2.6 goals-per-game last year and 2.7 goals-per-game two seasons ago.

So what’s the answer?

Well, perhaps it was simply a throwaway line to the press following what Vigneault called “a more offensive-skill practice,” or perhaps it was a manifestation of the frustration of presiding over a club that has scored nine goals in its last seven games and has been limited to two goals or fewer in 15-of-24 matches, but the coach actually suggested: “Maybe we have to play even tighter to the vest than we are and go into games with that mentality [of trying to win] 2-1.”

Oh, boy. That’s just what everybody wants to hear. And to play.

The Rangers are creating opportunities, sixth in the league in even-strength shots and eighth in attempts. But they’re falling short at the finish line, last in the NHL with an even-strength shooting percentage of 5.2 and 21st with a power-play shooting percentage of 11.1.

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