Stan Fischler On Rangers Cup Chances

This you won't believe.

New York Rangers fans are rooting for the New York Islanders.

I got this on the highest authority from my 18-year-old grandson Ariel Fischler, who happens to play forward for Bruce Boudreau's Hershey (Junior) Cubs hockey club.

Since birth, Ariel has been a Rangers fan, and for 18 years, he hasn't stopped rooting for them. So, when he tells me he's cheering for the Islanders when they play Carolina tomorrow night in Raleigh, The Maven did a "How come?" double-take.

"We Rangers fans want the Islanders to take Carolina to seven games," Ariel explained, "so that the Canes will be worn out when they play us. And if the Islanders can pull off a miracle and win in seven, so they'll be dead tired as well."

I'm not going to argue with my Rangers-loving grandson, but the fact of the matter is that this mighty New York club doesn't need any favors. That was evident in the past couple of weeks both at Madison Square Garden and Capital One Arena (And, at the expense of being redundant, I will humbly repeat that these skating Monsters From Manhattan will win The Stanley Cup.)

Actually, I picked the Blueshirts in five over Washington but also added that I wouldn't be surprised to see a broom job -- and sweep it was.

The 4-2 win in Washington last night demonstrated beyond a shadow of a doubt that everything -- and I do mean everything -- is coming up roses in Rangerville. Consider these sweet-smelling petals:

1. The Blueshirts emerged in good health. And if anyone on the roster is hot and bothered over anything, I can recommend a shrink who'll be happy to help.

2. While Breadman Panarin has not been in regular-season marauding form, he's biding his time for a more competitive series and offered a preview goal last night.

3. Not that Igor Shesterkin could have played goal sitting in a rocking chair, but he sure didn't have to worry about No-Show Alex Ovechkin. Igor did what was needed.

4. As a group, the defense -- especially K'Andre Miller -- did everything that it was supposed to do. Quite frankly, I rate it as the best group of six in the league.

5. Matt Rempe did his thing without interruption or suspension. His torpedoing of defenseman Trevor Van Riemsdyk -- for all intents and purposes -- sunk the Caps.

6. If there's one bottom line that says it all for New York's success up to this point, it's the overall balance plus savvy in the manner that Lavvy runs this team.

7. The Blueshirts' well-synchronized power play -- once again -- won the game. That does raise a question: what happens when they have to play a whole game 5-on-5?

8. One other query only to be answered in June: Is this Rangers club better than the 1994 Champions?

Stay tuned.

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