The Maven illuminates five points about the upcoming Capitals – Rangers series.
The Maven illuminates five points about the upcoming Capitals – Rangers series.
Five For Fischler
1. OLD STAR VS. NEW STAR: Alex Ovechkin remains one of hockey's greatest stars. His vibrant personality and robust game has blended well with one of the most dynamic shots ever seen on the big league stage. Age has slightly dulled his impact but he did galvanize his club into the playoffs; which was more than his traditional rival -- Sidney Crosby -- could do in Pittsburgh.
Ovie will be facing his young counterpart -- fellow Russian -- Artemi Panarin who has infused a new, sparkling dynamic to the Rangers already powerful arsenal. Unlike The Big 8, The Breadman still has a couple of things to prove: A. He can excel in the playoffs and, B. He can play on a Stanley Cup-winner.
2. COACHING REVENGE: Asked about what it will be like coaching against his former team, Peter Laviolette quipped, "Which one?" Of course, he knew darn well that the reporter meant none other than the Capitals. Whether there's agenuine "revenge" element to the upcoming tilts, only Pistol Pete really knows.
But we do know a couple of things about Lavvy and the Capitals: A. He couldn't even get them into the playoffs last season; B. He knows the Capitals up, down and sideways -- also inside-out -- and he will adjust his strategy to all his inside secrets.
3. BROTHER VS. BROTHER: Ryan Lindgren somehow has escaped notice as one of the NHL's most underrated defensemen. Brother Charlie -- also from beloved Lakeville, Minnesota -- is just beginning to be recognized as one of major league hockey's most underrated goalkeepers.
In a sense it reminds me of the opposition-brother-act-days when the Boston Bruins Hall of Fame center Phil Esposito played against his Hall Of Fame brother, goalie Tony Esposito of the Chicago Black Hawks.
4. GO FIGURE DEPARTMENT: When strange things happened in the NHL, former Rangers GM Emile "The Cat" Francis liked to say, "Hockey is a slippery game, it's played on ice."
The Cat's saying comes to mind when I reflect on Max Pacioretty's rejection of a deal to the Rangers around the trade deadline. Slapsie Maxie hails from New Canaan, Connecticut and if New Canaan, Connecticut is anything it's "Rangers Country."
I don't know about you but The Maven finds it hard to imagine why Pacioretty favored a "selling" Caps uniform over a Blueshirt. But I guess I should know better. Right?
Hockey IS a slippery game and it IS played on ice!
5. THE FILIP FILIBUSTER: Remember when Filip Chytil was a Rangers center?
Well, it could happen again now that the Czech has ended his endless sabbatical.
All signs suggest that he'll return for the Cup drive and -- when that happens -- where will he play?
That's not The Maven's problem but it will be Lavvy's. For example, I could seehim alongside Kaapo Kakko among other possibilities. I wonder what you fans think about possible linemates for Chytil.
Actually, forget about the debate, it could turn into a Filip filibuster and run all the way into Sunday's opener!