It was Christmas in April for the Rangers last night in Elmont; a bit late, but who cares!
During the 9-2 Islanders pummeling, Santa delivered many goods for the Blueshirts. Here are just a few goodies:
* BEING ALIVE: Yessiree, Bob, the Rangers are still IN the Wild Card Derby; but Santa is using the broad and loose definition of "alive." (Half-dead is more like it.)
* GIFT GOALIES: Santa abetted the UBS puck picnic when the Isles showed up with a third-string and fourth-string goalie. (Not a civic, but a Sieve holiday!)
* FREEDOM: Santa secured a release for Brett Brerard from Peter Laviolette's Gulag and guess what? The Kid showed his appreciation with two goals.
* THE COUNTRY CLUBBERS: Santa ensured that the traditional loafers – Yeah, You, Big Al Lafrenière – got a goal along with Mister Untradeable, alias Mika Zibanejad.
* POOR LITTLE RICH MAN: Since Santa already gave Igor Shesterkin a bit more $ than The Bank of England, Sir Claus – and Santa's Helpers – provided him with enough red lights to ensure a W. (Can't wait to see Iggy against an elite team like (ahem Carolina tomorrow.)
* PRAYERS: Santa usually doesn't go overboard with his presents but he will – in this very special case – offer prayers that the Senators beat the Canadiens tonight in Ottawa. That will allow the otherwise hapless Blueshirts another reprieve day in the Wild Card Race.
P.S. One of those "Insiders" overheard Santa whisper to his helpers, "Did those greedy Rangers really think I was gonna give them a free Wild Card! Ho-ho-ho.")