Rangers Greatly Miss Injured Player After Loss Last Night

The resulting 5-3 loss against the Columbus Blue Jackets served as a reminder that there is still much work to be done in the process of adapting to new head coach Peter Laviolette.

Several defensive breakdowns, including too many odd-man rushes and net-front opportunities allowed, made way for a rough night.

The Rangers desperately missed the defensive anchor and toughness of Ryan Lindgren.

If that stat isn't telling enough, I don't know what is. The youthful defensive pair of Zac Jones and Braden Schneider weren't ready to take on the heavier responsibilities without Lindgren in the lineup.

Here's what Laviolette said when asked how much Lindgren's absence affected the team:

It didn't help that the Rangers were also killed by disallowed goals, that crushed whatever momentum, the team had going for them.

The Rangers have their season home opener this Monday, October 16, against the Arizona Coyotes, at Madison Square Garden.