Ten points pointing toward a Rangers victory tonight.
1. Pistol Pete Laviolette makes sense when he states, "I'd like more physicality tonight."
2. That's fine with The Maven. But after mulling it over, my conclusion is: "Okay, Bud, put your plans where your mouth is."
3. Translated: "You want toughness; then play the toughest guy on your team – MATT REMPE, in case you forgot – and get it over with already!"
4. Or, let me put it another way, if I'm confusing you, Lavvy: To start your car, you have to turn on the ignition key. REMPE is your physicality ignition key. Got it, pal!
5. I'd like to think – for a change – that Kaapo Kakko will make a positive difference tonight and contribute to the win. (So, I will think about it, and am doing it now.)
6. Unless and until Adam Fox collects some points – goals or assists – I have to believe that he's playing hurt. (How hurt, only Lavvy and Drury really know.)
7. Does everybody but Artemi Panarin know that The Breadman had better be baking tonight or the Rangers pumpernickel will get stale?
8. Aaron Ekblad may be listed as the Panthers best defender but Gus Forsling sure looks like Number One-A to me.
9. Another Maven prediction: A Rangers power play goal or two tonight.
10. I guess the Rangers didn't need Nick Bonino and Tyler Pitlick after all!