It's that time, folks; otherwise known as "Ask The Maven Day." This week's question comes from Bruce Gost of Flushing. Take it way Bruce:

HOW DO YOU RATE THE RANGERS PLAYOFF CHANCES VERSUS THE ISLANDERS AND DEVILS? The Maven replies: For starters, we begin with the fact that New Jersey is the only one of the trio to have made the postseason last spring. That gives them a leg up because they did it without scoring ace Jack Hughes for half a season.

Plus, they're solid with Jacob Markstrom in goal and their offensive core led by captain Nico Hischier. The defense is a bit of a concern and something GM Tom Fitzgerald will address. In fact it wouldn't surprise me if Tom pulled a biggie and dealt Doughie  Hamilton, who has not been the player he had hoped.

Follow Up On The Worst Rangers Trade Of All-Time The worst Rangers' trade of All-Time – Rick Middleton to Boston for Ken Hodge – had fascinating repercussions that should surprise fans even today.

The Devil to watch is Luke Hughes, who will be on a meaningful growth spiral and could reach the level of big brother Quinn in Vancouver. And, by the way, a deal for Quinn is not out of the question.

Of three Local clubs, the Devils could be the best of the three and certainly no worse than second best. 

The Islanders are toughest to figure mostly because of the dramatic front office change that resulted in the tight-fisted Lou Lamoriello Era and the arrival of new boss Mathieu Darche.

Replacing the gunnery of Brock Nelson will be a challenge, not to mention the issue of backup goalie Semyon Varlamov's health. Coach Patrick Roy's defense will survive the departure of Noah Dobson and I expect a best-ever season from Tony DeAngelo who will successfully replace The Dobber.

A lot will depend on whether Number One Draft pick Matthew Schaefer makes the big club. The Maven believes that The Kid needs a year in the minors but Schaefer doesn't seem to agree.

The Rangers will be the biggest – and best – surprise for a lot of reasons, starting with the bye-byes of Chris Kreider, K'Andre Miller and Peter Laviolette and the arrival of "new voice," coach Mike Sullivan.

I expect Sully to once and for all cleanse the room of all the leftover nonsense dating back to Barclay Goodrow and Jacob Trouba, as well as the well-advertised lack of spirit, not to mention a captain.

By far the biggest pluses will come from the Young Turks – Gabe Perreault, Brennan Othmann, Brett Berard, Matt Rempe and Adam Edstrom.

The Maven sees a one-two-three finish; Rangers, Devils, Islanders with ALL THREE MAKING THE PLAYOFFS!