Stan Fischler US Hall Of Fame MSG * Considering that the New York Rangers were the first NHL team to win 40 games, it amazes The Maven that nobody has been touting Peter Laviolette for the Adams Award as Coach Of The Year. * At the moment, it appears that the Blueshirts will be confronted by the Detroit Red Wings or Tampa Bay Lightning in the opening postseason matchup. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA0NjgxMzQwNDg5MDQ5Njgw/usatsi_21971267.jpg] * Rangers fans always need something to worry about. The latest fear is that somehow Patrick Roy will guide the Islanders into the playoffs and the Rangers would face the Islanders in the first round. * Nobody I know is touting Adam Fox for the Norris Trophy but he's been playing his best defense in the past few weeks. * That said, for my money, the club's MVP blue liner is neither Fox nor captain Jacob Trouba. My guy is Ryan Lindgren. (And I know some opponents who agree with me.) * At playoff time, the blueliner who'd concern me most is K'Andre Miller. Sorry, but I have more confidence in the rest of the core four. K has all the tools but gets caught out of position too often to suit me. * And speaking of confidence, I'm betting on Chris Kreider having his best playoff ever. * Nor do I waver from my original commentary; Kreider should have been made captain over Trouba. * Three very unsung general staff heroes in the background are Lavvy's aides -- Phil Housley, Mike Peca, and Dan Muse. There were excellent choices, and each won the players' respect. * Not to be overlooked is Benoit Allaire -- esteemed professor of puck-stopping -- who has craftily nursed Igor Shesterkin out of a scary mid-winter slump. * Right this minute, my Players' Player award goes to unsung hero Jimmy Vesey. * Another season goes by without banner-hanging for all-time Ranger heroes Frank Boucher and Brad Park. * The Maven's Thought-Twister. In five seconds or less, name the guy who was picked as the club's third-string goalie at the start of the season. (Answer Below.) * I don't know about you, but I miss Gerard Gallant. * Memo to Man Mountain Matt Rempe: Keep your fists to yourself if you happen to be on the ice tomorrow night against Ryan Reaves. (No good would come from a fight with The Home Town Hulk.) * Apart from making himself an instant celebrity, Matt Rempe's favorite dessert, Cheesecake, is getting such notice that it could become my flavor of the month. If The Remper thinks you can get a good cheesecake in Westchester, The Maven suggests Junior's on Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, that'll top any in the universe! (Answer: Louis Domingue.)
