Stan Fischler US Hall Of Fame MSG If you want yet another reason why The Maven is right when he says, "Chris Drury, Don't Trade!" it's that dogged Minnesotan who keeps coming back like a song. Apart from helping the New York Rangers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-rangers/new-york-rangers/new-york-rangers-chicago-blackhawks-igor-shesterkin-united-center-4-3] win their fourth straight -- remember when I said don't panic before the All-Star Break -- Jonny (The Puck Goes Inski) Brodzinski has given Peter Laviolette a nifty I-Don't Care What You Call 'Em line. Along with Will Cuylle and the too-often-abused Kaapo Kaako, The KK And Friends unit has pzazz and will only improve because -- for my dough -- Jonny Brod is here to stay. His career-high fourth goal of the season -- thanks to KK's rebound -- is Jon's second in two games. What's more he's proven Nick Bonino eminently forgettable. (Bonino goes, Rangers win, coincidence or not?) KK And Friends reiterate my point that this well-balanced, good-chemistry roster should not be touched. (But I'm not going to make a Federal case out of it; at least not now.) The big story -- "Who Was Gonna Play Goal?" -- was settled as The Maven predicted. Start second-stringer Igor Shesterkin and allow Iggie to shake off his rust. "Igor looked good," said Coach Lavvy, although I have a feeling that his tongue may well have been well in his cheek. Iggie=not that good. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA0MjQ5NjczMTkwMzUyNTI0/usatsi_22485556.jpg] Not giving up two third-period goals in a little over five minutes. Not against the certified worst team in the league. Sorry, Lavvy, but you had to say something, and we understand. I dare you to start him on Monday against Calgary at MSG. Face it, Iggie does not show the confidence he had under coach Gerard Gallant. (Deny that if you can!) But coach Lavvy is right about "two points is two points." For that he can thank Mika Zibanejad's OT winner that produced what best can be called a bitter-sweet W. You'll notice that the lad I told you needed patience -- Big Al Lafreniere -- is making The Maven look good. He potted another last night, among other good tidings. Jake (The Rake) Trouba was his old stellar self, and even Shesty got feisty for a change. Okay, one last thought: I'm thinking -- just thinking -- of forming a Kaapo Kaako anti-defamation league. Don't laugh; I figure that Double K can make it back to the first line. So there. TOP STORIES
