Subduing The Senators Was An Easy Rangers Task

You couldn't say that the New York Rangers "stormed" into Canada's capital, nor even "invaded" it last night.

Storm, "schmorm?" Who cares? They exit to the All-Star Break with a 7-2 (actually 5-2 if you want to get down to the gritty-nitty) and all is right in the world of Rangerville.

And if I tell you who scored the winning goal, you might faint. But The Maven will tell you anyway. 

It was none other than the Come-Through-In-The-Clutch Guy Himself, ZAC JONES. (I kid you not.)

"It was great," chirped defenseman Jones who also got an assist. "To tell you the truth, I wasn't expecting that."

But Jones "Schmones," he wasn't alone. Naturally, Breadman Panarin had more than mere crumbs. How about one big red croissant and two helpers for the night? 

Plus, the lad I keep telling you will be a star, Big Al Lafreniere, came through with one lamp-lighter as well as Chris (Ole Reliable) Kreider and JONNY BRODZINSKI.

A late import, Connor Mackey, also stirred the pot with meaningful hits, a fight, and lots of zest.

"He got us going," added Jones.

Once more, I kid you not. Now, how about that for a Murderer's Row, Jolly Jones, and Battlin’ Brodzinski, a one-two combo if ever there was one? And three, if Mackey hangs around.

Not that it was so easy. Ottawa led 2-0 in the second period when Our Heroes tried some self-No-Doz.

The Laviolette's kind of tiptoed in wanting to surprise the host Senators while at the same time dispatching a pair of W points back home to Seventh Avenue and 33d Street

The way things have been going for the fast-floundering Blueshirts, that turned out to be a perfectly fine way to enter the All-Star Break.

If any team in the East is ready to be plucked, It's Ottawa. This outfit has missed the playoffs for six straight seasons -- with a seventh very likely by springtime. The Senators are, in two words, a mess.

Having suffered all kinds of internal and external reverberations, the franchise has a new owner, a pinch-hitting coach (Jacques Martin), and yet another dismal first half of the campaign. 

What a setup for the Blueshirts: Yes or No? Gotta be Yes. And it was.

Coach Lavvy wised up and -- without officially announcing anything -- made Jonathan (What Was Lavvy Waiting For?) picked Quick as his number one goalie. Jonny showed what Iggie Shesterkin has not; a knack for stopping pucks. 

Quicky made 29 saves on 31 shots, and if Pistol Pete is smart, he'll run with Quick in the homestretch and keep Shesty as backup.

In case you worry, warts are interested, our Rangers are 30-16-3, and there's absolutely nothing to worry about heading into the REAL season.

That is, as long as Larrupin' Lavvy keeps the comeback kids in the lineup. And you now know who I mean.

ZAC JONES and JONNY BRODZINSKI. (Whoops! I forgot the best belter:)

CONNOR MACKEY.

Who else could it be?