WA-NYR-TradeRumours Boy, oh, boy, are the Blueshirts lucky that the Blackhawks are coming to town tonight. You couldn't find an easier team to beat if the Macon Whoopees provided the opposition. (No joke, there was such a team in Georgia.) The Maven figured that Seattle would be an easy W but last night's burlesque of defense – what else can be said of a 7-5 Rangers loss – set Jonathan Quick's goalkeeping rep back by – let us say – miles. What makes tonight's affair a should-be-easy two points is that Chicago's regular goaltender Petr Mrazek reportedly is out with an injury. Other than that they happen to be a disoriented, inferior team with a brand new coach who won't make a difference. If it were possible, Chi could mail in the two points and go dine at the Four Seasons. And, no, I'm not ducking discussion of last night's debacle although I can't believe that Quick had faced only 21 shots on goal AND MADE ONLY 15 SAVES against a team ready to be taken. Coach Peter Laviolette never would actually say that Quick was to blame – backup Philipp Grubauer made 32 saves for Seattle – but Pistol Pete did admit "It got loose." Blame? We can't lay it on the exited Jacob Trouba; he's singing "California, Here I Come." But we sure have to wonder whether Jake's departure – and the not-so-sweet manner in which GM Chris Drury handled it – just may have caused dissension – as the final score may indicate. Apart from the Blackhawks arrival tonight, the other joyous news is that Reilly Smith suddenly is scoring and ditto for Fiery Fil Chytil and, yeah even Vinny Trochek has returned to the lamplighting business. Meanwhile, K'Andre Miller enhanced his trade value – I believe he might be made available at some point – with a goal. The final tally by Alexis Lafrenière is gratifying since it appeared that – now that he's obtained a new contract – he was heading toward Fat Cat Country! Final thought on tonight's tilt; IT'S BEAT THE BLACKHAWKS OR BUST!
