As we go into the 4-Nations break, here's an analysis about how the Rangers players are performing.
THE MAVEN'S GUT REACTIONS TO SEVEN RANGERS, PART ONE THE CORE:
1. IGOR SHESTERKIN: This injury respite will be good for him. He should return after the break dedicated to: A. Earning his $; B. Regaining his old Vezina form; and C. Stealing enough games to put his team in the playoffs. (If not, the Blueshirts are buttered toast!)
2. ADAM FOX: If he doesn't know it, the rest of the league does; Foxy is not the same defenseman who once won a Norris Trophy. It has nothing to do with age – he's in his prime – it's all in the head. Secret word: "Desire." (Need more, buddy, and You know it! NOW!)
3. ARTEMI PANARIN: With Breadman it is about age, he's still good but not THAT good. He peaked last year and is too comfortable $-and-contract-wise. (Warning! If Bread doesn't have a superior homestretch run then he'll deserve a good spanking! And J.T. Miller may have to give it to him.)
4. J.T. MILLER: He's here to do a Mark Messier reprise. So far the auditions have looked promising and he's been both an offensive aid and a team inspiration. It's just that he needs to put more oomph into it now that he knows what's at stake and the team around him. (If they won't give Vincent Trocheck the captaincy, then it should go to J.T.)
5. VINCENT TROCHECK: Since Vinnie is a cut below a star, he has to compensate with the brand of hustle and aggressive stickwork that led to Will Cuylle's late game-winning goal in Columbus. As the "Non-C Captain," Vince does all right in the leadership role. (Maybe, Peter Laviolette will recognize this quality before Atlanta returns to the NHL.)
6. MIKA ZIBANEJAD: Everybody's got a right to a slump but The Magic Z overdid it by a year. J.T. Miller's arrival – coupled with Mika's realization that the team can't afford to miss the playoffs – has put M's tushey in gear. And it had better remain in highest gear at least until April. (The Maven believes that he'll keep it going. Z likes cheers better than jeers.)
7. ALEXIS LAFRENIERE: Skipper, we've got a scheduling problem with this guy. He thought the season had ended when his boss Chris Drury handed him a new pact. Maybe he's jealous of Kaapo Kakko and Fiery Fil Chytil and would rather play in a sleepy village out West.Look! We know that his talent, his age and his size spell superstar. What we're getting so far is super-glue!