There can be no passengers at MSG tonight, except those who arrive by public transit.
The Maven is talking about the Rangers who are on a two-game "Make The Playoffs" winning streak but finally meet a Stanley Cup contender; but one that can be beaten.
But there's no room for deadwood on the Blueshirt bench nor on the ice. Nor is there room for the ever-ready alibis.
"Injuries to Adam Fox and K'Andre Miller," says The Old Scout. "So what? Both have been 'Iffy' players all season. They can be replaced by the reserves. That's what reserves are for, right?"
If any Ranger can benefit from the defense shortage, it's Zac Jones who has been in Peter Laviolette's doghouse longer than Snoopy, Fido and residents of the Westchester Kennel, combined!
Jones is like Matt Rempe, who Lavvy mis-used last year and again this season until someone must have whispered in the coach's ear, "Hey, Skipper, he can't score from the bench."
Zac The Knack couldn't score from the press box either. Now's his chance to show his worth -- if the glorious coach will allow him.
But the genuine, gigantic hunk of dead wood in Lavvy's Lumber Yard is "Wonderboy" Alexis Lafrenière who must be laboring under the misapprehension that the season ended at Christmas.
Since Santa gifted Big Al with a new contract, Lafreniere has been playing as if his main gig is ambassador to the Falkland Islands. The Rangers – eh! – just a hobby.
"Hey, if the Lafreniere player we knew last season could start playing like that tonight," adds The Old Scout, "this team still could make a playoff move. IF?"
But facing the Toronto Arsenal, it once again comes down to that old saw – Can Igor Shesterkin steal a game and make it three wins in a row?
The Maven says yes, whether the Blueshirts' Ambassador to the Falkland Islands scores or not!