Here's why there's no need to panic for the Rangers just yet.
Dear Rangers Fans:
The Hockey Maven has one bit of advice for you.
RELAX!
Your favorite club has endured ups and downs; players called up from Hartford; guys demoted to the Wolf Pack. Here a Rempe; there a Rempe. Where's Rempe?
And Igor Shesterkin! What is there to say with still no substantive word on a new contract. (Then again, that's his problem no your's and not mine.
RELAX!
Granted that Mika Zebanejad is off on Cloud 9.5. (Which also is his probable minus for the week.)
Granted that Jacob Trouba, the captain – of all personnel mistakes – could be traded at the earliest opportunity.
Granted that Fiery Fil Chytil's health reporters read like a Noon Hour soap opera called "Amanda of Honeymoon Hill."
Granted that Mat Rempe's Rangers career seems reads like a movie script rejected by the Three Stooges and Humpty Dumpty Productions.
RELAX!
And if you won't listen to The Maven, try this on for comfort. Your balm can be found in the standings.
Your beloved Blueshirts are 12-6-1 (19). For crying out loud, only four teams in the entire 32-team league have lost fewer games, Canes, Caps, Peg and Wild.
Young talent such as Big Al Lafrenière, Will (That's My Boy) Cuylle and Vic Mancini now will be graced by Brett (Call Me Mighty Mite) Berard, fighting his way into high danger areas.
The WIN count should reach a Baker's Dozen by ten tonight.
Hey, I know two dozen teams that would just love to be 13-6-1 when they wake up tomorrow morning.
Be glad you're not Pittsburgh.
RELAX!