Rangers Fans, it's time for The Maven and You-All to have a heart-to-heart talk.

For starters, we all agree that the 2024-25 season was a disaster. It's over and done with; so forget about it.

Just as history showed us how easily it is to go from Presidents' Trophy-winner to the doldrums in one easy year, so it is easy to reverse the decline. (Exhibit A: Washington Capitals).

The club has a new coach and a brand new start. Likewise it's time to refresh with Free Agency here and a summer left for wheeling and dealing.

My Rangers fan buddy Todd Siben writes a compelling note from Boynton Beach, Florida that should inspire fans who are riding the Blueshirt fence. Listen up, please: Go, Todd, go!

"Back in the 1980's, when the Rangers languished in the lower echelon of the division and the Devils were a new franchise," says Pal Todd, "I jumped ship and considered myself a Devils fan.

"After that season ended, I had a conversation with a Rangers fan friend who scolded me for abandoning our team. He delivered a message that went something like this:

Why The Rangers Did Well Without A First Round Draft Pick I'm not going to sit here and tell you that it's a good idea NOT to have a first-round pick in the Entry Draft but – on the other hand – it's not the worst thing in the world either.

"'You don't jump ship at the first sign of adversity,' the guy said. 'You cheer your team through the good AND the bad.' And I learned a lesson from that."

That, good citizens of Rangerville, THAT'S my lesson to you. Plus, I'll throw one more line at you: PAIN AND PROGRESS ARE INSEPARABLE.

With one notable exception: THE METS!

This Lecture Is Aimed At Rangers Fans Who Are Singing The Blues