With the Trade Deadline breathing down just about everybody's neck -- do the New York Rangers really want Adam Henrique? -- it's time to focus on tonight's very competitive match at The Garden.

It's best-on-best -- Blueshirts and the Panthers -- and you won't find two more evenly-matched teams, whether you're comparing style, balance or even wins.

Last spring Florida, astonishingly, made it from the wilder-than-wild card berth up to the Stanley Cup Final while racking upset after upset along the way.

Meanwhile, our Local Loved Ones were supposed to brush off the brash Devils in the opening round -- well, no point talking about that.

Now both the Skaters from the Southland are in the same boat as the Blueshirts and that is, firm Stanley Cup contenders -- strong from crease to crease. (I think there's a song there.)

Equally equal is the quality of coaching.

Both Paul Maurice and Peter Laviolette have been around the circuit more than a Coney Island merry-go-round.

If you can pick a favorite between the two, you simply can't go wrong. Each is wise, witty and warm; very hard to dislike unless they grab the cab you thought you got it.

Tonight's game will get Argus eyes from their general staffs including the respective chiefs, Chris Drury and the rather astute Bill (I'm Over Here) Zito.

Each has in mind "adding one missing piece" from the Trade Player Lot but they're not sure who or, for that matter, which Elliotte Friedman rumor to believe.

Standing pat is a reasonable option no matter how you look at it but there's one area where the Rangers have it over their foe.

New York has a forward who's taller than those sheltering palms in beautiful Downtown Sunrise!

Watch out, Puddy Cats, here comes MATT REMPE!