Some games are bigger than others. Tonight's Rangers-Leafs game is one of them.
I won't even ask the question; I'm telling you -- tonight's game in Toronto is this important.
VERY!
Very for the Gentleman General Manager Chris Drury. The loose lips sink ships man behind the big desk is under heavy pressure from everyone -- but me -- to make a deal or three before the trade deadline.
Very for Mika Zibanejad who had better have a best night at Scotiabank Arena or he'll be moved to the very top of "To Trade" list.
Very for Breadman Panarin -- all 82 points of him. This is a pride thing as in showing that he's a better player than the Leafs 82-point guy, William Nylander. (I'll take Bready who's plus 8. The other guy's plus-minus is a big ZERO!
Very for Jonathan Quick who'd better get the start in goal; otherwise Peter (Hard To Figure) Laviolette means that J.Q. is not as A-1 as Iggy Shesterkin; and what a gratuitous kick in the pants that would be for Q.
Very for Very Big Matt Rempe should Ryan Reaves (6-2, 225) put up his dukes, drop his gloves and then says "D'ya wanna go?"
Very for Rempe's Rompers -- Adam Edstrom and Barclay Goodrow -- who want to prove to Lord Drury that the trio comprise a good, aggressive line for the playoffs. (Ergo: Don't trade any of us or send us back to Hartford.)
In other words, this contest has a number of story lines and my favorite is titled:
"Why The Rangers Big Three Is Better Than Toronto's Big Three."
Translated: Mitch Marner, Auston Matthews and William Nylander comprise the Leafs arsenal. But I like the trio of Breadman, Mika and Adam Fox who is plus-14 with almost a point a game (48 in 50 games). There's no one on the opposition who can blend a two-way game like Adam.
And, in case you're interested, the pair of Rangers 62-pointers -- Chris Kreider and Vincent Trocheck -- make John Tavares look like a fading fellow; which he is.
When you think about it, the Leafs committed two colossal blunders:
1. Letting the very productive Zach Hyman sign with Edmonton; and
2. Thinking that Tavares was a superstar.
Captain J.T. is 17-24-43 with an, ugh! minus 4.
Drop the puck, already! I can't wait!