The importance of tonight's game cannot be underestimated.
If ever there was a MUST game for the Rangers to win it's tonight's Garden clash with the Bruins.
We're talking about the New Yorkers staying alive in a playoff race where even a point is insufficient.
"Boston won the last time in Beantown," says The Old Scout, "and now's the time to get even because time is running out."
Igor Shesterkin will start in goal for the Blueshirts as he did when losing to Boston on the weekend. Shesty's just average performance then cannot be repeated tonight.
"Just as important," adds The Old Scout, "will be how the team rallies around J.T. Miller. He's been terrific so far but he's gotta have help from his friends. All of them."
Here's who he means:
* CHRIS KREIDER: Once "Ole Reliable," the veteran New Englander is getting his last chance to reverse a scary decline in productivity. He hasn't quite slowed to a stop but he's getting there.
* VINCENT TROCHECK: Sucked into the losing undertow, the once-touted "captain" should be giddy as a lamb's tail now that bosom-buddy Miller is back to gallop with him. Now is the hour, pal!
* ALEXIS LAFRENIERE: Having slipped precariously close to Fat Cat Land, the once-number one, is now a year from when he climbed to an elite level. Now's a perfect time to repeat.
* ADAM FOX: For some curious reason – You tell me – the so-called "best" backliner on the team has sidestepped media mashing for his – shall we say – erratic play. What a perfect time to shape up.
* IGOR SHESTERKIN: Even losing, Shesterkin has been outstanding. BUT, he was mediocre against the Bruins last weekend when J.T's two goals should have helped produce a win. Once
again, it's carry-the-team time!
You know the story with Mika Zibanejad and Ryan Lindgren. The J.T. "Jeepers Creepers" could cure Mika.
Ryan is on his own.