WA-NYR-TradeRumours The point is pointless. New York got one but Montreal got two last night in Habtown and that's the point. This has become a "Playoffs Or Bust" season for Peter Laviolette's skaters and the Canadiens just happen to be standing in the way; along with Columbus and Philly, among others. "The Rangers had the lead four times," says The Old Scout, "and for them to blow it against a rookie goalie is just not right. Especially when you consider who got New York's goals." Lavvy's lamplighters include a quartet who The Maven singled out on these pages with an "It's about time, guys," plea. For his hometown Montreal fans, Alexis Lafreniere finally woke up and lit one. Ditto, for Wily Will Cuylle who seemed to be playing AHL hockey in the NHL for the last few weeks. Then there were the twin trade-baiters, Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider who removed some doubt – hardly not all – from the skeptics. "On any other night when those guys all score," adds The Old Scout, "you'd figure that the Rangers would win. And should win." Okay, okay, it was not a total disaster. The Rangers season best point streak has now grown to eight games. Plus, the singleton point that's added to the standings at least keeps New York afloat and above .500. "Our guys gave everything they had," says Laviolette, "right into the overtime. We hit two posts in the third period and had point blank chances in the overtime." But guess who beat them? Jakub Dobes, a 23-year-old third-string Czech goaltender. Not good, Lavvy; not good. But what's done is done. The Rangers have Ottawa at home tomorrow night and Philly – also at MSG – on Thursday. "These are teams the Rangers have to beat," The Old Scout concludes. "If they want to keep the score down, they'd better start Shesty." Then, a pause: "Twice!"
