Perry Nelson-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/3939ceff-2c30-490f-8a74-755f33db8bd6.webp] Perry Nelson-Imagn Images The McRempe's versus The McDavids. You gotta love it! To say that tonight's Garden match between Edmonton and the Beloved Blueshirts is KEY for New York would be thenunderstatement of the half-century. Peter Laviolette's sextet finally is on track and the 4-0 win last night in Columbus merely underlines the obvious. Zing went the strings in Igor Shesterkin's heart as he completed his fifth shutout, leaving Peter Laviolette with a vexing "Which Goalie?' decision for tonight. (More on that in another column today.) "You can't be too careful with McDavid and DrIsaitl," says The Old Scout,"but the Oilers – as a team – have not been playing that well." General Manager Stan Bowman failed to fix the endless Edmonton goaltending issues. Starter Stu Skinner and backup Calvin Pickard are no better than a mediocre pair to be exploited tonight. "If the win in Columbus is any barometer," adds The Old Scout, "the Rangers may have something going for them; maybe even challenge the Devils who aren't the same without Jack Hughes and Dougie Hamilton." Right now the Blueshirts immediate challenge is retaining their slim hold on the second Wild Card spot. Several factors favor the New Yorkers. 1. FOX TROT: With Dman Adam returning to quarterback the power play, scoring should increase with the special teams. 2. J.T. EFFECT: Just Terrific is what newcomer Miller has been both in and out of the dressing room. There is no captain on the team, but J.T. acts like the A-1 C-Man. 3. MIKA MAGIC: Zibanejad has found his game at just the right time. I credit the J.T. Effect. "We've got a ton of work ahead," warns the intensely intense coach Lavvy. He's right – and that work begins right now – whether Connor McDavid or his productive sidekick Leon The Lion likes it or not!
