1. Not to ruin anyone's morning – especially Sean McCaffrey's – but my vibes say that Mika (Call Me Ranger) Zibanejad will start and remain with the big club. Despite all the talk about he's a detriment to the franchise, he could change.
2. Don't be at all surprised that – under fresh coach Mike Sullivan – The Z Man turns into a new man, better than Casanova at his best. (Don't laugh, it could happen.)
3. STOP THE PRESSES: I meant MAYBE it could happen. Mika with Brennan Othmann and Brett Berard has the makings of a solid third line.
4. I'm warning Coach Sully in advance: The Maven wants Jonny Brodzinski centering The Giraffe Line with Matt Rempe and Adam Edström. Let Sam Carrick kill penalties.
5. I kid you not: grab a look at head-and-shoulders shots of Vin Trocheck and Mika; They're Ike-And-Mike-They-Look-Alike.
6. The Maven is about to re-read one of my all-time favorite Blueshirt books: "The Last Original Ranger" by Bryan Reilly.
7. My ambition is to write the Foreword for Reilly's 100th Anniversary edition.
8. Master Blaster Larry Hirsch on why the Oilers lost: "In order for a fast-skating transitional team with terrific scoring to win, Edmonton needed an elite goalie to make the radar saves."
What The Rangers Are Missing And What They Need
One element the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-rangers" target="_blank">Rangers</a> could use – sooner rather than later – is a 'Brand."
9. P.S. From The Blaster: "Until the arrival of Vasy and Bob, the Cats and Bolts were good but not great teams."
10. P.S.S. From The Blaster: "Of course, you need some 'Mazel' but great teams make their own 'Mazel'."