Three Rapid Takeaways from the Rangers' 2-1 Loss Against Chicago

Boos were plentiful as the New York Rangers took another loss at Madison Square Garden on Monday evening, with fans across social media calling the team performance to be lifeless.

The final score of 2-1 marked the Rangers' twelfth loss of the year. And it shouldn't have happened. Going into the matchup, the Blueshirts had exactly six more wins to the year than the Chicago Blackhawks. But it didn't matter and the Rangers fell to Chicago.

Let's take a look at three rapid takeways from the Monday evening matchup.

1. Mika Giving Us Literally Nothing

As our writer Daniel Godlewski will undoubtedly point out in his upcoming story, plenty of fans at Madison Square Garden walked out with nothing but complaints about Mika Zibanejad. As a result of his turnovers and poor performance, many are calling for him to be scratched. After all, at one point in time Reilly Smith was a scratch and his performance improved.

It might be time to give scratching Zibanejad a chance.

2. We Need Matt Rempe

I am tired of being bored and frustrated watching the Rangers. No, I'm not just that. I am sick and tired of watching the Rangers with the current roster they have, because clearly it isn't working in. Bringing in young talent has proven to work — just take a look at Brett Berard who scored his first point in his very first NHL game and scored his first league goal in the game after.

And while many might not like him, I want to see Matt Rempe back on the ice. He's been up-and-down from the AHL and while there he's really been focusing on his development as a hockey player and not just a fighter. He brings entertainment and big hits to the ice, and that makes watching the games fun.

3. Chris Kreider's Frustration

If you were to ask this reporter, Rangers' Chris Kreider is who this hockey reporter would name captain following the departure of Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks. The Massachusets native was drafted by the Rangers in 2009 and has been a Blueshirt ever since. He's clearly not happy with the way things are going, and it's easy to see why.

Perhaps finally naming him captain would give him a boost, and thus boost the team's performance.

Up Next

The Rangers currently now out of the top three in the Metropolitan Division and have a 14-12-1 record. They're chance to turn things around will be on Wednesday, Dec. 11 as the Rangers travel to Buffalo to take on the Sabres.