It’s tough to complain about that one, folks. It really is.

That first period was the best period of hockey the Rangers have played this season. The way they played in that period was the way a winner plays. They took the attack to the Senators, they created offensively while maintaining strong play in their own zone.

This was also the second straight game where the team scored two power play goals, not to mention scoring four or more goals for the second match in a row. Could it be that this team is finally starting to develop some of that elusive chemistry?

Still, the tactics the Blueshirts employed after that first period, especially in the third, were at times frustrating to watch. It’s understandable that it’s hard to be as dominant offensively when the other team is pinching every time they get the puck, but sitting back and waiting for them to come at you isn’t the answer, either. It would have been nice to see the Rangers spend more time in the offensive zone in that third period.

Overall, though, it is indeed tough to complain.

Once again, the Straka-Dubinsky-Jagr line was excellent, especially in that period. Seeing Jaromir Jagr maneuver his way from the side boards towards the center of the Senators’ zone and absolutely rip a shot, several times no less (including one that scored) was a pleasant surprise. Ranger fans have seen Jags do that move many a time, just not very often this year. Obviously, it’s still effective. Maybe this win proved that to Jagr and he’ll start reinserting it into his repertoire.

It was also nice to see Brendan Shanahan get two goals. I don’t think I’m in the minority when I say that he still just doesn’t seem quite the same as he did in the first half of last season, but he still seems to be finding a way to put a decent amount of goals on the board. At this rate, he’s on pace for 28 goals and 56 points. It’s not quite the 29 goals and 62 points Shanny amassed in 67 contests last season, but it’s not bad for a 38-year-old.

Marcel Hossa also continued to play well on the line with Shanahan and Scott Gomez, notching a couple of assists. However, after last season, his second straight with 10 goals, I think everyone was hoping that he might breakout this year and score somewhere in the neighborhood of 15-20. Right now, he’s still on zero.

He’s so good at carrying the puck and so strong defensively that it’s just a crying shame that he can’t seem to find offense. He’s got a decent shot, too. He showed that last season. It’s a matter of confidence for Hossa. He found that confidence when he got to play with Jagr last year. Maybe playing with Gomez and Shanahan will unleash it, too.

Ryan Callahan again played well, really giving his all on every shift. He’s such a sparkplug. He can become the next Jed Ortmeyer on this team, only with offense. He’s already a fan favorite like Orts. He’ll hit anything and anyone at anytime. Plus, he’s clearly got talent on offense.

Chris Drury and Petr Prucha, however, weren’t quite as noticeable in this game. However, I was hoping to see more of a response to the Chris Neil/Prucha altercations. Granted, the team was leading, so no sense in stirring up trouble and taking unnecessary penalties, but still…make it clear that you won’t tolerate that stuff.

Oh, yes. Can’t go without talking about Mr. Malik. Well, in his return, Marek Malik was…not bad at all. He didn’t do anything bad, at least. That’s something, isn’t it? Sadly, Marc Staal’s ice time did seem to go down a bit. He played a little over 19 minutes against the Islanders, while he only saw the ice for 15 minutes against Ottawa. I have a feeling that as the season progresses, the coaching staff will find a way to make that number go up, whether it means skating the third pair more often or giving Staal some power play time.

More tomorrow on the game against the ‘Canes, including a look at Matt Cullen and his time with the Rangers.