A couple of guys you never heard of last year could – at some point – factor significantly in the Blueshirts blueprint. Defenseman Victor Mancini was so unknown a year ago, he didn't even make it to the Rangers "Top Ten Prospects" list in The Hockey News. Meanwhile, the fellow whose name is mis-spelled by me six out of ten times, was ranked eighth last year on the Penguins inept blue line corps. Well, whaddayaknow, defender Chad Ruhwedel is a Ranger and if any one – such as Adam Fox or K'Andre Miller be added to the injury list – well, that's why No Chump Chad has become the Blueshirts' secret Mister S.O.S. on the blue line. Stan Fischler US Hall Of Fame MSG It was ace birddog Jesse Rubenstein who tipped me off about Mancini about a month ago. Jess alerted The Maven with his enthusiasm over the 22-year-old, 6-3, 215 pound defender. In less than two paragraphs Jess said "This lad has the goods." But that was then and this is NOW. Mancini's play suggests he'd be the new Jacob Trouba, as soon as Chris Drury finds a way to pull the chute on the lame duck captain. Meanwhile, recovering Ryan Lindgren should rest and recover comfortably, secure in the knowledge that – unlike Brother Trouba – he won't be traded and he'll be good and fresh when the games become really meaningful. As for Ruhwedel, he's an experienced patrolman who can be efficiently plugged in at a moments notice. Come to think of it, you can safely say that the Rangers have the best overall collection of defensemen in the NHL – with or without Trouba.
