Will Peter Laviolette make any changes to the Rangers' lineup going into Game 2?
It's a given that Peter Laviolette will alter his lineup for Game 2 tonight.
Itching to play but still sitting in the wings are such worthies as Blake Wheeler, Zac Jones and Matt Rempe, just to name a few.
This has inspired armchair Laviolettes to help the general staff produce a second game winner. For example, intense Rangers-watcher Solon Mihas on Long Island believes that the key to victory lies with the bottom six forwards, He suggests the following:
"Create a new third line with Chytil, Goodrow and Kakko. The fourth line would be Vesey, Brodzinski and Rempe. If Rempe's ice time has to be cut, Goodrow could be double-shifted.
"Beside that, Laviolette has to figure out the Panthers style. The club needs a better breakout and harder, crisper passes. Also Panarin has to play better defensively. He was a minus 3 in the last game and his line with Alexis Lafreniere and Vincent Trocheck was no bargain."
My 18-year-old grandson, Ariel Fischler, who plays for Crystal and Bruce Boudreau's Hershey (Jr.) Cubs, agrees that the Rangers must boost their energy.
"The best way to do that," he adds, "is to make sure that Matt Rempe is back in the lineup."
Accenting physical play has been a Panther policy since Paul Maurice moved behind the Florida bench. "Our game is not based on us feeling good," says Maurice. "Our game is pretty straightforward."
It does curve if a Rangers is to be whacked. Fiery Fil Chytil learned that just seconds before the first game ended when he absorbed the umpteenth Florida bodycheck.
"They come at you real fast," admits Adam Fox whose health remains a subject of media questions.
Naturally Adam plays foxy when asked if he's A-!. His actions and recent production- drop suggest otherwise. Put it this way; he has not been the club's best defender.
"We're good responders after losses," Fox points out. "All we have to do is play a simple game." (Where have I heard that "simple game" line before?)
His sidekick K'Andre Miller butts in with more positive vibes. "The other night we produced enough legitimate scoring chances; but we just didn't score."
Really – when you think about it – losing in the first game was what's known as "Just one of those things."
"One of those things tonight" figures to be an even series produced by a Blueshirt win!
We shall see!