Normally, I can find something positive to say. Last night's game does not afford me the opportunity to do so. There are games you're going to get beat. There are games where you are going to be outplayed. However the repetitive nature in which the Rangers fail to show any effort and energy is starting to reach epidemic proportions.

You guys have heard too often say that talent without effort or energy is insufficient. At times, that talent can overcome the lack of energy or effort but it's a rare instance. When you have the combination of both, that's when you're operating at an optimal level. Last night Tampa showed what happens when you bring effort and energy coupled with the substantial talent that they have, which was reflected in the 5-1 final.

The excuses of indoctrinating new players and reintroducing injured ones hold a very little weight. Effort should not be impacted by who's in the lineup. That may impact the talent level associated with who plays but effort and energy should be something constant not something that comes and goes. This team has a clear lack of heart so far, from listening and reading the comments of several of the players, it seems as if they realize that's the case as well. But I am tired of hearing that they realize what's wrong. It's time to fix it. It's time to remediate those issues and prevent them from occurring over and over again.

I could go through each goal and point out the breakdowns, but that too has become a broken record. How many wake up calls does this team need? Closed door meetings and players only meetings only go so far. Each player has to look within themselves and in the mirror and realize that what they are bringing nightly is insufficient. Maybe the team does lack the talent to contend. Maybe the outflux of personnel has far outweighed the talent of those brought in. Regardless of if that's true, even if you have talent but your compete level is woefully lacking as it has been, you are not going to win consistently. Maybe occasionally but not enough to make the playoffs or do any damage when you are there.

The hallmark of the Rangers under John Tortorella was a lunch-pail attitude. It was one that would take a hit to make a play and respond with two hits. The change in philosophy from Tortorella to Alain Vigneault doesn't mean that effort goes as well. You can be a puck-possession team or one that mixes puck-possession with physical play, but each requires effort. If you can tell me what this team is, I would love to know, because right now, they lack any kind of identity. First and foremost, an identity has to be forged. To do so requires commitment, energy, effort and focus, all of which have been lacking. It's up to the players, coaches and management to help figure out and define what that identity is. The longer they wait, the further this season will slip away.

Right now, I am embarrassed to be a Rangers fan. My gut call is that many feel the same way. Last year was magical, this year has been nightmarish. To regain my trust will take more than one good game, it will take a string of them. What's scary is that I am unsure if the team has it in them. It's 18 games into the season, 64 remain, it's time for the players to step up and show they are accountable. Not by lip service or comments, but by action. When that happens, then my attitude will change. It's up to them, let's see if they have it in them.

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