ROT OR NOT? TOO RICH TO CARE? WILL THE TALENT EMERGE?
Starting tonight in Columbus the answers to the Rangers' challenge – playoffs or bust? – will be determined once and for all.
The answers to the three big questions above will determine their fate. Here's how:
ROT OR NOT? Ever since the twin Barclay Goodrow-Jacob Trouba incidents, there's been rot in the dressing room. However, The J.T. Rot-Busters have done their job and the clubhouse appears disinfected of destructive elements. Miller's arrival has been a key part of the de-rotting.
TOO RICH TO CARE? Check out the High-Roller$. Start with Big Al Lafrenière who should have been flying high since he hit the contract jackpot. Zip! Nothing like it. Mika's warden – Blue Collar Blueshirts Sean McCaffrey – has well-documented Mika (Worst Plus-Minus) Zibanejad's failures. (Ah, but he still can atone in the home stretch. That is, if he really care$.
On-again-off-again Igor Shesterkin got all the moolah he wanted; high goalie salary of all-time; all the time. But he hasn't delivered nearly enough critical wins to equal his worth.
WILL THE TALENT EMERGE? Let's face it – from the twin goalies on out – the Rangers have more better players than any Wild Card competitor; and especially Columbus. There's an expression – "genius will out" – and so far for the Blueshirts it's been "genius will not." Tonight should be the start of every man proving that the best has yet to come.
The Red Wings, Blue Jackets and Bruins are falling apart and the Canadiens cannot match-up, talent-wise, with the Blueshirts.
Now, here this: The other negative nonsense being bruited about is the "Tough Schedule" propaganda. Any team – big-shot McDavid Oilers tomorrow night included – can be beaten.
Ah, but do the Rangers have the will?
Or, as my pal Jess Rubenstein keeps telling me, will the Rangers continue to be THEIR OWN WORST ENEMIES?
Tonight will tell! Maven says New York is on Playoff Parkway! (Beware of motorcycles driven by stripled fellows.)