Analyzing what has gone wromg with the Rangers.
The Rangers should win tonight in Buffalo because the Sabres have established new standards of ineptitude.
They have not made the playoffs for 13 consecutive years and are hellbent to make it 14 next spring. By contrast, the Blueshirts are defending Presidents' Trophy-winners.
What's more, almost the entire Rangers first-place team is back. So we have to wonder how the Rangers get so bad faster than the fastest standup comic.
On the ice, veterans such as Chris Kreider, Mika Zibanejad and Vincent Trocheck are playing hockey as if they learned it last week; and that trio is just for starters.
What's come over them? That's the question being asked throughout the hockey universe.
If you believe Neil Smith, the former Rangers manager who was the last to craft a Cup-winner, the festering sore is as much in the front office as it is on the ice.
Appearing on NHL Network Radio's "Sunday Brunch" with host Dave McCarthy, Smith basically said that the Rangers front office is in a toxic state.
According to Smith, GM Chris Drury's manhandling of the Barclay Goodrow and Jacob Trouba bootings from Broadway will become – if it hasn't already – a turnoff for other players.
But that's future stuff; what about tonight?
After the horrific loss to terrible Chicago, coach Peter Laviolette's team must win tonight – or what? That's what; we don't know.
What we do know is that the disjointed dressing room needs work, if such a feat is possible.
What's more, Drury is dead-wrong if he believes that his capsizing hockey ship can survive without a captain. The Maven says, don't wait, don't hesitate. Give the "C" to an up-and-comer.
Give it to someone who hustles every single night and who can set an example. Will Cuylle isn't going anywhere plus he does what Mika and Chris don't do; delivers 100 percent hockey at all times. Not-So-Wee Willies should get the "C."
Another thing – although we know that it isn't going to happen – but wouldn't it be nice if Neil Smith was lured back to get The Good Ship Ranger off the icebergs.
That won't happen anymore than Cuylle taking over the captaincy.
Barring a horrendous loss tonight, Lavvy will keep his job because Drury would look stupid firing yet another bench boss. And Drury will stay alive because MSG boss
Jim Dolan still must rely on retired Glen Sather for advice. But Glenny doesn't live here anymore!