The Rangers Could Have A New, Improved Lineup Against the Panthers

Hurricane Frederik Andersen's inept goaltending was the most meaningful gift the Rangers received in their six-game series with Carolina.

Now the busy Blueshirts have another gift to play around with – this one courtesy of the National Hockey League schedule-makers.

The five-day layoff from the Night of Chris Drury's Cane-killing to the Wednesday series opening with Florida at the Garden is straight out of the Santa Claus workshop.

For one thing, it will allow wounded Blueshirts – I'm thinking Adam Fox and Jacob Trouba – to recover.

Also it will allow overworked Igor Shesterkin to take some extra deep breaths. That will enable him to make the brand of saves that rescued his team in that peerless third period series-clincher.

But speaking of gifts; how about this: I'm talking about the potential return of third-rated center Filip (Just One More Chance) Chytil and second-rated right wing Blake Wheeler.

Do you realize that with that dynamic duo back in the lineup The Maven could see a four-game sweep of Florida. And I kid you not.

And since The Garden pays its Blue Cross bills, it could happen.

"Earlier Chance" Chytil actually looked good in his one game return against the not-so-canny Canes after which he felt "just fine" until the next morning when he didn't.

Fabulous Fil has had plenty of time to shake all those blues away and do another winning encore.

And if Wheeler is ready, willing and able – Ye Gods, – Peter Laviolette's blitzer should knock off those Panthers faster than their sheltering palms drop coconuts.

What's definite is that the five-day respite is there for New York's general staff to exploit.

What's not certain is how well the soothing sensations and training workouts will revitalize the not-so-perfect Blueshirts and their suspected wounds.

It has to help warhorses like Foxy and Jacob The Troubadour. If it ensures a return for Chytil and Wheeler, this lineup will be as good as Messier & Company 30 years ago.