When I need a perfect X-Ray of the Rangers, I go directly to the Original Roundtable expert Jess Rubenstein.
The other day Jess ordered an end to Mika Zibanejad jibes and The Maven agreed.
BUT when Rubenstein added that the New Yorkers have "other problems," I wanted to know what they were/are. Here, in Jess' own unedited words, are his answers.
First, we start with the fact that the Blueshirts' top two forward lines are set – in one form or another:
Figure on Breadman Panarin with Vin Trocheck and Alexis Lafreniere – assuming that Big Al is in the mood to play hockey and not snooze his way through the year.
The second secure unit comprises Will (Himself) Cuylle, J.T. (I May Yet Be Captain) Miller and Mika (I'm A New Man) Zibanejad. (No wisecracks, please!)
Now for the "problems." Take it way, Jess Rubenstein: "So who makes up the bottom six?
"I can’t see the Rangers carrying both Gabe Perreault AND Brett Berard as they both duplicate the other. One is going to wind up in the AHL and it will burn another year for one of these players.
"Personally, I would look at Dylan Roobroeck who scored 20 goals at Hartford last season. At 6’7 he also protects Berard or Perreault.
"Then again, rightfully, Jonny Brodzinski more than deserves to be the third line center. And what happens if Brennan Othmann fails to make this team? I say trade him as I fear he will not like being cut again.
"The Rangers' third line looks like a giant mess as the fourth line actually looks to be in better shape. I'm talking about Adam Edstrom with Sam Carrick and Matt Rempe.
"On defense the only sure things will be Adam Fox and Slava Gavrikov.
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"By rights Braden Schneider deserves to be a second pair but his problem is who is his partner? Since Schneider can play either side, it doesn’t matter which side he plays. But IF it were me I would pair him with Carson Soucey; which allows Schneider to remain on his natural right side.
"The third pair most likely looks like Will Borgen and Matthew Robertson but that's not written in stone as it is a reach pairing"
Any objections? The Roundtable Jury is now in session. Invitees include anyone in the Rangers high command and those who disagree with Sir Rubenstein.
The Maven wouldn't even think about it, although Master Blaster Larry Hirsch, just might. After all, might makes right as the Florida Panthers have proven for two straight semesters!