WA-NYR-TradeRumours 1. The Maven asked Devils radio analyst – and former NHL goalie – Chico Resch how he feels about the Rangers playoff chances. His response sounds a lot like 50-50. 2. "If the Rangers can constantly play a rock-solid defensive game around Igor Shesterkin," says Resch, "and still score some goals, they have a shot." 3. Here's another reason why Blue Jackets' Don Waddell should win the GM Of The Year Award: He signed UFA Sean Monahan who has become Columbus' third leading scorer. (14-27-41) and Plus-7. 4. Here's why Will Cuylle misses Kaapo Kakko: When KK skated alongside Not So Wee Willie, Cuylle played 30 games and went 11-12 for an impressive 23 points. Minus Double K, Willie's offense has disappeared under the Hudson. 5. Note to pessimists: The Rangers have points in six straight games and Alexis Lafreniere's scoring alarm is ringing. LOUD! 6. The Blue Jackets are playing good, old, inspiring hockey in honor of Johnny Gaudreau. 7. "That whole team should win the Bill Masterton Trophy," saysBlue Collar Blueshirts editor Sean McCaffrey. (The Maven seconds the motion but wishes he had said it first!) 8. No matter how you shake it, the Rangers either win or get a point when Matt Rempe is in the lineup. That's either a coincidence or there actually is something to it. 9. The Maven believes that The Remper brings a very positive karma to the club although I hear that Lavvy likes Jonny Brodzinski better. (I like Brod, but I love Rempe! It's a personality thing called winning with Matt and I'll leave it at that.) 10. Mailbag: Bernie Rhode has a tip for Chris Drury: "Offer Jonathan Toews a PTO. The Rangers need a player like Toews because they still are sloppy defensively, particularly through the neutral zone. Toews is just the center to show this group how it's done."
