The Maven offers why he believes the Rangers are winners.
The Maven offers why he believes the Rangers are winners.
Are the Rangers really that good or is The Maven dreaming?
Ever since mid-season -- long before any of the other sages dared chime in -- I've predicted that Peter Laviolette's club will win The Stanley Cup.
Having carefully scrutinized the New York Rangers over the past two weeks, I maintain that optimistic stance with special attention to the two most recent matches against a determined Islanders foe.
Here are five reasons why:
1. THE RECORD: At 55-23-4 the New Yorkers have established new team marks. Leading the 82-game marathon is reason enough to pick 'em to win The Cup.
2. THE GOALTENDING: Any doubts about Igor Shesterkin's clutch-ability were erased in Saturday's shootout. Iggy's big saves enabled the victory.
3. DEFENSE: Braden Schneider's shorthanded goal was merely Exhibit A in terms of the blueliners' overall versatility. There's massive balance in the brigade.
4. OFFENSE: Breadman Panarin heads an arsenal with a variety of firepower right down to an effective fourth -- heavy-checking -- line.
5. COACHING: Lavvy knows what he's doing. And when he doesn't, his able underlings, Phil Housley and Michael Peca are there.