Stan Fischler On Rangers Cup Chances The New York Rangers hosting the New Jersey Devils for the last time this season tonight at The Garden is the "IT" game. There's a saying in Latin vox populi -- the voice of the people. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA1MTc3NzUzNjE0NDI3Nzgw/usatsi_22739627.jpg] Ever since Matt Rempe donned a Blueshirt, vox populi has been heard loud and clear: WE WANT REMPE! However way you wish to define it, young Rempe has the goods -- appeal -- and anything else you want to call a charismatic character. And if the fans have their way, they will see Man-Mountain-Matt -- not once in a while -- but every night. Starting tonight. The fans (both Devils and Rangers) are hoping for some rivalry-closure tonight. But back to the "IT" game. 1. IT for Blueshirt coach Peter Laviolette. Once and for all, he must dress Matt Rempe; no questions asked. 2. IT for Man Mountain Matt. This time he has to "show up" and answer the bell when the inevitable happens. 3. IT for New Jersey's heavyweight Kurtis MacDermid (we are all hoping he's in the Devils lineup), who most certainly will challenge The Skating Steeple -- alias Rempe -- as the Devil did last time the team's met; and Rempe (sadly, I say) turned the other cheek. MacDermid has not seen ice since March 23 vs. Ottawa; so i'm hoping for a Garden return! 4. IT for the entire Garden State team which has constantly been pushed around by the first-place Blueshirts. This is the last chance this season for the Devs to exact revenge for the licking that's been handed out by Lavvy, Inc. This quartet of IFs will determine a lot of things starting with what gives with Rempe. The Maven knows that when Rempe is not in the lineup the Rangers look like they're dead from the neck up. All you had to do was watch the Rempe-less Rangers on Monday night at The World's Most Famous Arena. Fans were so annoyed with the home club the onlookers finally burst into a "WE WANT REMPE" chant that could be heard as far west as West New York, which is in New Jersey, and as far upstairs as the Rangers front office. Assuming that Lavvy has learned his simple lesson -- Play The Biggest Boy -- then it will be Rempe's challenge to accept MacDermid's guaranteed, "Ya Wanna Go?" And make the best of it. Or, worst of it. Jersey fans know; this season has been a colossal disappointment up and down the line: A potential Cup Challenger has turned into a Chump Challenger. At least some redemption will be available in that round building called "Square" on Seventh Avenue. Should be fun? Unless you're Rempe, MacDermid or a whole bunch of other skaters in Blue or otherwise. The Maven plans to be there looking for the ITs and EVERYTHING!
