The Rangers are rich. The Blueshirts are the richest of all the American NHL teams. They are rich in talent; so rich that players who might have to wind up in Hartford are good enough to make the roster. If Matt Rempe and Adam Edstrom wind up on the fourth line – possible – the New Yorker will have by far the largest pair, side by side, on one line in NHL history. Plus – and it IS a big plus – they soon will have the richest goalie in the world, Igor Shesterkin, Who knows – maybe he'll sign a new deal in a day or three. It isn't only The Maven, but respected, thinking people throughout the league – not all, mind you, but many -- believe that Peter Laviolette's team is as good, if not better than the one that finished with the best regular season record last spring. The Shesterkin-Jonathan Quick goaltending combo is as good as any and better than most in Bettman, Inc. Anchored by former Norris Trophy-winner Adam Fox, the defense boasts balance in style while blending youth and experience. It's so strong that captain Jacob Trouba will be fortunate to gain a spot on the third pair. Stan Fischler US Hall Of Fame MSG When The Maven discusses forwards, bear in mind that I'm talking about the REGULAR SEASON not the playoffs, which is a whole other season and whole other story. The likes of Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, Chris Kreider, Vincent Trocheck and burgeoning Alexis Lafrenière ooze with talent, versatility and motivation. Nor is it out of the question to expect expansive seasons from Kappo Kakko and Filip Chytil, not to mention Jimmy Vesey who happens to be the versatile forward's versatile forward. While Chris Drury's managing has been – and no doubt will be – criticized, he just might have successfully added strength to his lineup with the addition of Pittsburgh emigre Reilly Smith. (It could happen!) Whatever decisions are made vis-a-vis the Fourth Line, Vesey (when he's healthy) should be the anchor with Rempe and one of many possibilities, including Edstrom. Solid outfits such as Cup champ Florida, Edmonton with its big guns and never-Cup-Toronto, rank among major threats. Still, the Rangers are the bench of the bunch; as they were after the last 82-game marathon. That said; here's what matters most – STANLEY CUP – OR BUST!
