1. The Rangers defense is porous, Boris, and that's why K'Andre Miller must be dispatched in a good deal – it had better be good – by Chris Drury. Let him get his big bucks and underperform elsewhere.
2. The Maven's suspicion is that Drury wishes he hadn't dealt the developing Victor Mancini in that Vancouver exchange. The kid will be a star.
3. Speaking of sorry moves, the general staff – let along the GM – has to be regretful about letting Niko Mikkolo get away when the defenseman had played well for New York.
4. Mikkolo now has two Stanley Cup rings with Florida. And to think that Niko wanted to remain a Rangers but never even got a tumble of an offer.
5. Until I know for certain that Connor McDavid plans to re-sign with Edmonton, I'll wonder if – somehow – the Rangers could nab him. (Key word is "Somehow.")
6. From Pal – and Isles 1980 Stanley Cup-Winner – Chico Resch; "Everyone jumps on the Oilers goalies as not good enough. Well, I say that Grant Fuhr could not have played well enough to beat Florida in the Final."
7. More From Resch: "The Oilers defense is not in the top ten in the NHL. And I would not sign Evan Bouchard to a new, big money, long-term contract. He puts himself in dangerous defensive positions. Anchors like Bouchard and Darnell Nurse won't win a Cup."
How The Rangers Could Wind Up With Connor McDavid
Connor McDavid doesn't betray his anger and frustration too often. He's too cool a guy for that.
8. Re McDavid, "Connor should seriously be exploring his options to leave Edmonton!"
9. Our Cats' correspondent Al Greenberg on champ coach Paul Maurice: "He knows how to build a winning culture. He doesn't panic over losses and doesn't gloat over wins. He treats every player with respect."
10. More Greenberg.: "Maurice always credits his fourth line for their importance. You saw Tomas Nosek embrace Paul after Game 6."