The erratic play of the New York Rangers

The New York Rangers had high expectations for the 2007-08 season, but instead have struggled throughout most of the season dealing with injuries and inconsistency. We're now more than halfway through the season and the Rangers are clinging to the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference which would just be good enough to make the playoffs if the season were to end today. The frustration has mounted within the team itself. This was evident when two players had an on-ice altercation during practice on Wednesday involving right winger Sean Avery and defenseman Marek Malik. A few players responded positively to the fight by saying that it lit a fire under the team. Defenseman Jason Strudwick said "I think it's a good thing. I've personally been in lots of fights in practice- not since I've been a Ranger. But it's two intense guys and it shows the boys are ready." This definitely has to be a wakeup call to the Rangers. If they're to be one of the eight teams going to go to the playoffs then they must drop the erratic play and string some wins together. It all started with goalie Henrik Lundvist, who let up easy goals after showing promise in the beginning of the season. The team shortly followed his downward trend. Lundqvist must play at a higher level if he's going to take the Rangers deep in the playoffs and possibly to a Stanley Cup Championship so they can meet their high expectations that were set at the start of the season.