Here are some notes from the Maven ahead of the conference finals.
So what if it's 30 years since the Rangers last won The Stanley Cup!
What's the big deal?
Or, to put it another, more direct way, if The Maven tells you that the Rangers will win the prize next month, you should stop worrying this minute.
This second.
But Rangers fans being Rangers fans, worrying comes naturally. After all, if your team is going oh-for-30, then worry is not a futile gesture.
And with that in mind – and as a noble public service – I hereby offer comforting thoughts as we await tomorrow night's puck drop.
1. Stop comparing your current club to the 1994 outfit. It's a waste of time. Mike Keenan's winners were built on a ton of Edmonton Oilers.
2. Check that old, ex-Oilers lineup – from Kevin Lowe, to Jeff Beukeboom to Glenn Anderson and Moose Messier; you can go on and on. They were the New York Roilers.
3. Your current club has been built by predecessors – and now Chris Drury – not with Alberta Hessians but more New York-type New Yorkers like Chris Kreider, Adam Fox, The Breadman – You get it.
4. Start blaming the referees now. The Rangers aren't gonna win every game. The one they lose will be the Zebras fault; but you knew that already.
5. A Rangers sweep of the Panthers could happen, but it's more fun to have at least three games at The World's Most Famous Arena; so don't drop dead if they lose the opener tomorrow night.
6. Think positive. Once these troublesome Cats are disposed of, the Cup Final is in the bag. After McDavid, Hyman, and Draisaitl, those "Erlers" got nothing; not even a first-string goalie.
7. I have to admit it; Dallas is trouble. Good coach – remember Peter DeBoer led the Devils over Tortorella. But not BIG trouble as the Blueshirts will be for them. More on the Stars when the time comes.
8. Even should the Rangers temporarily fall behind in a game, fear not. This is the most resilient team this side of the Woodside Whippets. Just think "Kreider Will Come Through" Or, Breadman; or Magnificent Mika and, always, Comrade Shesterkin.
9. Not to worry even if Peter Laviolette's lads fall behind in the series. Playing possum works!
10. Forget about 1994 when the general manager and coach were – shall we say – not palsy-walsy. Now you have an unfailing union – Drury and Lavvy; a lovey-dovey duet made in Hockey Heaven.
P.S. Here are a couple of soothing thoughts whether Matt Rempe gets a game misconduct or not.
A. Win or lose, the sun will rise in the East. The proof is that it's done that for 30 years now. B. Worst case scenario. There's always "next year."
Then again why did I ever bring that up. THIS IS THE YEAR!
P.S. A small bottle of aspirins nearby can't hurt!