You heard me the first time. But just on the off-chance that you weren't paying attention -- and, please, don't let that happen again, or you'll be dismissed from class with no credits -- The New York Rangers will win The Stanley Cup next June.
You heard me the first time.
But just on the off-chance that you weren't paying attention -- and, please, don't let that happen again, or you'll be dismissed from class with no credits -- The New York Rangers will win The Stanley Cup next June.
You can pin this on your fridge or under an autographed picture of Henny Lundqvist or even Henny Youngman; I do not care.
Remember, I'm not The Maven for nothing.
But this is serious stuff -- this Cup talk -- and I'm not going to be the one to run from my assertion -- okay, "prediction."
And, please, I don't need any reminders that I've made this same prediction every year since 1995. But 2024 is different from 1994; any self-respecting calendar can tell you that. This time I can back up my assertion with cold, hard facts: (Here they come, marching out of the freezer.)
1. The Rangers have the best team in the league. (Go, look it up.)
2. If they're not the best team in the league right this minute, they will be in April.
3. They have the puck-eatin' twins -- Prince (I Can Never Be King 'Cause Henrik Won't Let Me) Shesterkin. Also, Jonathan (I'm Still Very) Quick.
4. The intimidator Jacob (I'm Not Yuba) Trouba is a worthy captain and not a crazy intimidator.
Sure, they lose games, but that's because the schedule must be defined as a marathon, not a sprint. Last year's playoff goat -- The Breadman -- knows that such nonsense won't be tolerated by Peter Laviolette, nor Trouba the Tuba for that matter.
It's not so much about Zibanejad, Kreider, Trocheck and, yeah, whipping boy Lafreniere, it's what's behind them that'll be the difference.
Don't argue with me, just listen. And try these on for size.
A. Destiny is on their side; almost 30 years worth.
B. Depth: Chris Drury produced four solid lines and three solid defense pairings.
C. The Forgotten Spurs: Start with Jimmy Vesey and end with Will Cuiylle.
D. Balance: They can put the biscuit into the box and keep it out of the cookie jar as well.
E. Motivation: The fans pay top dollar, they won't tolerate a wimpish exit. Please, nothing like last spring when the losers exited MSG like the cast of a new sitcom screening that was flushed down the toilet.
F. Power Play=aces. Penalty Kill=not too bad.
The indisputable calendar tells us this is January, and the season is only half over.
Forget the now.
Forget next week or February.
We're talking spring -- mind you, spring when June will be bustin' out all over, and the Blueshirts will bust through three rounds and, well, you know the rest.
Remember what Joseph Cotton said in "Shadow Of A Doubt," Help me, I forgot.
Never mind that. Just remember what The Maven tells You: It's in the bag.
"Beyond a shadow of a doubt!"