What the devil is wrong with the New York Rangers? Zero. Nothing. Nada. Get it.
What the devil is wrong with the New York Rangers?
Zero. Nothing. Nada. Get it.
My horoscope says they're the best team east of the sun and west of the moon. Which, by the way, if you like jazz; it's a super tune; like the one played by New York yesterday at The Garden
That's precisely why The Maven predicted that they would vanquish the vanquishable Capitals, 2-1, to end a four-loss streak that had a flood of crocodile tears flowing down Seventh Avenue and 33rd Street.
But forget the Crocs and the tears, and let's get to the first thing first, which is the slump-busting win.
First, The end of a losing streak and the start of a wonderful winning run begins with an "Eh" win, which is what the conking of the Caps amounted to, all things considered.
Second: The winning goal late in the first period is yet another signal -- bright but not that bright -- that Big Al Lafreniere is becoming a near-fabulous factor for the offense
Third: While Iggy-Wiggy Shesterkin was not overwhelmed by Washington's washboard offense, his game was as solid as dry cement when it had to be. Good for Igor.
Fourth: Breadman Panarin delivered a large rye -- with seeds -- to start the scoring and awaken all who aren't always wide-eyed with afternoon games. The Maven included.
Fifth: A one-goal lead heading into the third period these days in the Fire Wagon NHL is about as secure as a Kleenex in a Nor'easter. But the Blueshirts strong-ed through to the end.
Sixth: Mister Keen, Tracer of Lost Persons, has found Kaapo Kakko. Double K missed 21 games. Honoring his return, Kappy enjoyed 16:04 of ice time and managed two shots on goal.
Enough with Fisch gibberish; here's the real deal.
The season's second half has begun. One of a few things will happen :
1. Maven's Prediction: Rangers will straighten up and fly right and run away with first in the Met.
2. Otherwise: Being the best in their division, the Lavioletters will bob and weave through the somewhat-meaningful second half and still finish on top.
3. Unlikely Worst Case Scenario: Tough teams ahead on the sked will knock them off like bowling pins at Freddy Fitzsimmons Alley, but the Rangers still will breeze along with the breeze into the postseason.
4. At some point in April we'll start to know what this well-balanced-top-to-bottom team really is made of; and it better not be Silly Putty! (No repeat of the 2023 Jersey Bounce, please.
(P.S. I happen to like real putty. My grandpa Simon made EZ-Working Putty at 26 Lorimer Street, Brooklyn. And it wasn't Silly either!)