The Rangers were beat up physically in Game 1 against the Panthers, which is a problem that Matt Rempe could fix.
Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette tried the "I Don't Know What Plan" at The Garden on Wednesday night.
Lavvy's "I Don't Know What Plan" didn't work because the Blueshirts 60 minutes of play came out to The Square Root Of Gournished. Nothing!
That could dramatically change tomorrow if the beloved New York coach ever enrolled in a course called "Motivation 101"
If the Game 1 loss proved anything it is that Laviolette must get over his "Six Minutes And No More" attitude toward Matt Rempe.
The Maven says it's time to give The Kid a break; a real break.
Rempe should be placed on his traditional line with Jimmy Vesey and Barclay Goodrow with no leash attached.
In other words, with quality time – at least ten minutes – those three bulldogs can do what the Cats version did last night – forecheck the team to victory.
As one scout told me, "If the Rangers need anything against Florida it's physicality. They've got a guy upstairs (press box) in civvies who can help them – Rempe."
Up until now The Remper has been treated by his head coach as if he's Sideshow Charlie at The County Fair rather than an intimidating force who could win games.
I've watched enough to see the assets that Rempe brings with every shift. Matt moves well, gets on the forecheck and puts fear in the foe. He's learned NHL discipline and will only fight if necessary.
Jacob Trouba once was a master intimidator, but no more. Lately Jakey is lucky to be getting a regular turn; and let's leave it at that.
If given the chance – no less than ten minutes of ice time -- Rempe could distract the Panthers right out of the building.
On any one shift the bigger guy turns MSG into the loudest arena in the NHL. His appearance will catalyze teammates – we saw it in Carolina – from stupor to stimulant.
Lavvy should try the Rempe Plan; unless he likes coaching a team that sometimes appears to be dead from the neck up.
"Dead from the neck up." Hmmm, even ESPN's Mark Messier is hinting – not asserting, mind you, just hinting – that "maybe" Rempe can be the series-turner.
But then, the once assertive Moose went on to say, "I'm not questioning the coach."
Oh, no, Mark! Well I am questioning Laviolette and I don't mind telling the world that he is in error.
I'm telling you right here and now that Lavvyhad better play Rempe tomorrow night; or else.
C'mon coach; do it already. It won't hurt. It can't hurt. Except the Panthers, that is!