The New York Rangers mortgage on first-place appears well set. 'Nuff said with 104 points and 50 wins in 74 games -- and a good grip on the Presidents' Trophy.
It was an exhibition game; that's what it was on Saturday night in Arizona.
And the exhibits were all New York Rangers!
The New York Rangers congratulate Jonathan Quick on his milestone win in Arizona.EXHIBIT A: Big Al Lafreniere. Relentlessly, the blossoming ace from The Province of Quebec is moving into the realm of stardom. His three-goal hat trick was enough to help route the Coyotes. He totalled five points; not too bad for a fellow who was reviled as a "failure" not that long ago.
"Alex continues to play really well," said coach Peter Laviolette. "His line was dangerous the entire night."
EXHIBIT B: Joltin' Jonathan QuIck. His 392d NHL victory lifts the Connecticut native to the very top of the win-list of American goalkeepers, one above Ryan Miller.
Jonny continues to prove that he could be Number One in the nets for any Rangers playoff game. In last night's goal fest, he made 27 saves.
"I did everything I could to not think about the record but it was there," Quick explained. "It's a good feeling to get it over with and get it done; and what's important."
Lafreniere: "Quick has been so good for so long. For him to get that milestone is unbelievable."
EXHIBIT C: A Coyote-trapping offense -- Coach Peter Laviolette is secure in the knowledge that he now has four complementary forward lines and each contributes -- one positive way or another -- to the victories; the most in the National Hockey League.
"You can get fooled looking at a team like Arizona," said Lavvy, "I was happy with the fact that we came out in the third period and got the job done."
Apart from Big Al, other New York scorers included Ryan Lindgren, Chris Kreider, Zac Jones and Barclay Goodrow with the winner; unassisted and shorthanded. Breadman Panarin got an empty-netter.
EXHIBIT D: The Blueshirts' mortgage on first-place appears well set. 'Nuff said with 104 points based on 50 wins in 74 games. Plus they have a good grip on the Presidents' Trophy.
BOTTOM LINE: The Seventh Avenue Skaters did what they had to do against a -- very gradually -- up and coming young Arizona team still feeling its way around the West.
NEXT UP: Sidney Crosby is in town tomorrow night with the Penguins.
It might be another "exhibition" of Rangers strength.
The Maven adds: "No maybes!"