Dennis Schneidler-Imagn ImagesToday we'll learn if there's anything redeemable about this Rangers team.
Anything.
The Ottawa Senators did the Blueshirts a great big favor last night beating the Montreal Canadiens when a Habs win would have outed New York from a playoff berth.
But a Rangers loss this afternoon in Carolina will – once and for all – doom Jim Dolan's team.
"A win for the Rangers will say something about the club's fighting spirit," says The Old Scout. "You have to figure that Toronto will beat Montreal tonight. New York still could be alive by tomorrow."
The Canes are tough so this will be the challenge of all challenges for the Visitors who trounced the Islanders, 9-2 on Thursday night.
"We can play like that almost every game," said Igor Shesterkin who didn't back up that comment too many times this season. "We're going to keep fighting."
Well, now Iggy has to put his game where his mouth is and help carry his club to victory.
"This will be a terrific test for the team's core," adds The Old Scout. That means that Adam Fox, The Breadman, J.T. Miller and Mika all have to be at the top of their games with no exceptions.
"It's also going to be a challenge for Peter Laviolette who seemingly everyone believes will be fired after the season. Today, he must get everything out of everyone he dresses."
By early evening we'll have the answer as to whether this Ranger team can survive for another day.
P.S. Based on past performances, don't bet on it. Let them fool us all!