Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/108210a7-9f81-4902-9658-10feee13acdf.jpeg] Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images When a club like the Rangers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-rangers] finishes in the NHL's subterranean depths, it raises questions that must be answered before the autumn leaves start to fall. (Now don't be a wise guy and tell me that they're falling already.) A successful answer to the questions below could mean the difference between a playoff berth or more misery. So let's give it a shot and see what happens. QUESTION ONE: How will Matt Rempe react to another dismissal to Beautiful Downtown Connecticut? MAVEN: He'll sit in the corner and sulk for a minute, discover that he's getting a ton of dough for very little work and catch the next Amtrak to Connecticut. The Remper knows from experience that a call back to Penn Station is less than a month away. QUESTION TWO: What hope is there for Mika Zibanejad to really and truly, I mean REALLY AND TRULY – reform? MAVEN: If such a thing as peer pressure exists in the Rangers dressing room -- having a captain wouldn't hurt – then it's possible that Z will take defense seriously. Also, some lovey-dovey from new coach Mike Sullivan could help. (A little.) QUESTION THREE: What did the general staff learn from watching the Panthers? MAVEN: A blend of tough hockey and skill distilled by a brainy but funny coach and a clutch goalie wins Cups. (Are the Rangers tough enough? Depends on the third and fourth lines.) QUESTION FOUR: Which teams will the Rangers beat out to make the playoffs? MAVEN: Buffalo, Columbus, Washington, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Detroit, Boston. The Hockey Maven Picks His Five Favorite Rangers [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/7bdc9ebc-d308-415f-82bb-08978e40fdcb.jpeg] The Hockey Maven Picks His Five Favorite Rangers Anybody can like a star; it's the easiest thing in the world. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-rangers/latest-news/the-hockey-maven-picks-his-five-favorite-rangers] QUESTION FIVE: Why will you like the new Rangers MSG Networks broadcast team? Maven: Kenny Albert on play-by-play and Dave Maloney on "color" will bring a fresh vim, vigor and vitality to viewers. The pair will be invigorated by the move from radio to tv. Albert will bring his world class play-by-play while Maloney's combo of sandpaper candor and "fan feeling" will add a unique touch. Sam and Joe never will be forgotten but Kenny and Dave have the best act to follow!
