NHL

RANGERS SEEK CONSISTENCY

Perhaps it really is the name on the front of the sweaters that matters, and not the names on the backs.

The Rangers (2-3) have several new names on the roster, but the team’s performance through five games has continued last season’s unsettling trend of inconsistent play. Some might say the roller-coaster ride is officially the Ranger Way.

The power-play unit struggles one night in a loss, then it converts three opportunities in a row to win the next game. Captain Jaromir Jagr still makes brilliant plays every so often, but his dominance seems to be fading. Franchise goalie Henrik Lundqvist had been spectacular until Saturday’s three-goals-in-52-seconds lapse that led to a 3-1 loss to the Senators.

“I don’t think concern is a part of our language at this point in time,” coach Tom Renney said, saying his team struggled for long stretches last season but still pulled things together and made the playoffs. “We have a reference point from last season.”

Last season was not supposed to be a reference point for the 2007-08 Rangers. They have stated in unequivocal terms that their goal is to win the Stanley Cup. Last season ended in disappointment, though it was salvaged by a respectable run through the playoffs that ended with a second-round loss to the Sabres.

Perhaps over time the new players will mesh with the old and form a cohesive, consistent squad. The talent is certainly there.

“[Team chemistry] is here in every other aspect,” Renney said. “It will show up on the ice as well.”

New center Chris Drury sat in front of his locker after practice yesterday and contemplated the team’s attitude as it prepares for tomorrow’s game in Atlanta (0-6 after last night’s 4-0 loss to the Flyers in Philadelphia), which will be followed by visits to Boston and Pittsburgh.

“In the locker room it’s very positive,” Drury said. “Hopefully that will translate into more wins.”