It’s easy to pass blame in the Rangers five game loss during the second round of the playoffs. Before Blueshirt Nation lines up at the NHL offices to lynch the referees, though, look at the home team first.

They blew a three goal lead in Game 1 and then couldn’t muster anything in Game 2, although a quick referee’s whistle prevented it from being tied. Henrik Lundqvist took the night off in Game 3 and then they only managed 22 shots in Game 5’s disappointing overtime loss. And among those shots 11 came in the third period, when they managed to tie it and none in the overtime.

Fault lies within the team and not due to any external factor.

That said, what’s next? With four of the top six forwards and two of the top six defenseman as free agents, 2008-09’s team may be very different. Unlike pre-lockout years, there’s a salary cap to figure in and some tough choices to be made.

What to do with Jaromir Jagr? The Ranger captain failed to get the necessary point to qualify for his 2008-09 contract to kick in, so he is an unrestricted free agent. No. 68 will be playing hockey next season, the question is where. He seems to like it in New York and if the Rangers come in with a reasonable offer for say two years, he should be back. With the way he played over the past two months, the Blueshirts probably want him back. Also if you look at how he was defended all season, taking on the opposing team’s top checking line, the Rangers would be foolish not to sign him because the trickledown effect could be disastrous.

Do the Rangers resign Sean Avery? Avery brings a lot to the club and the team’s record with him has been well documented. That said, is the agitator worth $4 million a season over at least three years? The answer is yes. If Jagr is the Rangers most important free agent then Avery must be No. 1A. He’s popular, he loves playing here and he makes the team into a winner. Signing him is a must.

Should they resign Brendan Shanahan and Marty Straka? While Jagr grew down the stretch Shanahan disappeared and only scored one goal in the playoffs [Game 1 of the Devils series]. To give the 39 year-old another $3 to $4 million would be foolish, since he is probably not a top six forward anymore. The Rangers can hope Shanahan just retires, since cutting him lose could hurt some team chemistry because the future Hall of Famer is still very respected in the dressing room.

Straka is a different story and he could return for a reasonable rate if Jagr is resigned. Although he will be 36 in September. Straka can play on the lower lines if need be and his unselfish play is an example for any young player in the league.

What about the defense? Marek Malik, Paul Mara and Michal Rozsival are free agents. Malik is gone, making the Garden Faithful happy and Mara is probably too. Rozsival could probably return, especially of Jagr is back. The Rangers need to upgrade the defense if they have hopes to move past the second round.

Resign Stephen Valiquette. The Rangers still need a backup goaltender and with Lundqvist playing 70 games, Valiquette is perfect for the role. Expect a re-up for the veteran backup.

Who can they get?  If Shanahan leaves, Ryan Malone may be a good fit to replace him. Marian Hossa would be the best out there, but with cap constraints, it would be difficult to sign the Slovak star and keep Jagr, but if No. 68 moves on Hossa could be coming to New York.

If Avery and/or Straka leaves, then the Blueshirts will need a left wing or two but the team can sign a center or promote one from Hartford is necessary, such as Lauri Korpikoski or Artim Anisimov and move Chris Drury to the left side.

On defense, the Rangers will probably look from within for at least one defenseman. Bobby Sanguinetti could be ready, while Michael Sauer or Ivan Baranka could contend for the spots. If Brian Campbell hits the market, then the Blueshirts may look to sign the former Buffalo Sabre.