1. Neil Smith was smart enough to be an NHL general manager and smart enough not to take another GM job. And why should he? 2. Co-anchoring with Ex-ESPNer Vic Morren, Smith is riding high with his "NHL Wraparound" podcast that's as candid as anything out there, and here's proof: 3. Neil pointed out – what others have not – about Peter Laviolette: that history shows that while Lavvy comes on like Gangbusters in his first term behind a bench; that's it. 4. Stats show that in his second year as Islanders coach, the Nassaumen slipped a big 13 points. And after winning the Cup with the Canes, Carolina dropped 24 points. 5. Pistol Pete did better in Philly – a drop in only three points but it was minus-8 in Nashville. Before coming to Seventh Avenue, Lavvy was down a huge 20 points in his second year with the Caps. 6. Simply put, all five coaching stints saw a decline from Laviolette's first to second season. As for this coming season, we shall see if, for once, Pete can hold serve. 7. Reader Jessica Cassino is – who isn't? – a Matt Rempe-watcher. Jess, a longtime Rangers fan, is not going woo-woo of wonderment over Rempe's boxing lessons. 8. "I'm afraid to wonder what Rempe's head is going to look like after his hockey playing – not to mention, fighting – days are over." Punch drunk; that's what worries her. 9. Kenny Albert has proven that he can write a book, "A Mic For All Seasons," as well as do A-1 play-by-play. He's also quite good when it comes to a bit of analysis. Here's his take on the Rangers: Stan Fischler US Hall Of Fame MSG 10. "I like the addition of Reilly Smith," Albert told my sidekick Solon Mihas. "He's been a playoff performer at a high level and in big games. Chris Drury made a great addition with Smith. The Rangers have as good a chance as any team to go all the way!" 11. My recent list of All-Time Ranger greats at each position brought a reminder that The Maven erred by dropping 1928 Rangers Cup-winning defenseman Clarence "Taffy" Abel to the "Honorable Mention" category. 12. Upon further review, Abel belonged in the top two – right alongside his Rangers Hall of Fame partner Ching Johnson who's in first place. As a matter of fact Abel belongs in the Hockey Hall of Fame. (He is in the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame. 13. If Harry Howell, who never played on a Cup-winner, is a Hall of Famer, Abel belongs. Taffy also won a second Cup with Chicago and was flag-bearer for Uncle Sam's 1924 Olympic team which won a Silver medal. 14. One more thing about Abel – a Native American Ojibwe – he was as valuable to the Rangers and partner Ching Johnson as Johnson was to Lester Patrick's superb sextet. 15. All's quiet on the Jacob Trouba front for now. That will change when training camp opens and the media horde descends on the captain. 16. Or, as Neil Smith notes: "It's tough to imagine his relationship will be as crisp as it used to be." 17. The Trouba soap opera reminds me of a Jimmy Rushing blues classic; "What Became Of The Me And You That Used To Be?'
