A Kaapo Kakko Update Plus Rangers Reality Check

A Rangers Tuesday Ten-Item Checklist.

1. Remember Kaapo Kakko? He's become a star in Seattle. He set up the winning Kraken goal last night and also added a key assist.

2. "Defense remains an ongoing issue," says my Rangers-watcher Solon Mihas. (Where are you Jacob Trouba now that they need you!)

3. "They just can't get the lead and make the other team chase them," says Sam Rosen. (Order watches for every player so they know – for real! – when the games start.)

4. Adam Fox may be a former Norris Trophy-winner but his game has deteriorated."He allows too many chances on his side of the ice," says Mihas. (Maybe, Shriker The Fox should be on the other side.)

5. Mika Zibanejad is approximately ten to twenty planets away from the ace he once was.

6. At The Maven's expense of being redundant, Vincent Trocheck should be named team captain. Right now he is that – minus the "C."

7. For offense, the club is leaning more and more on Will Cuylle. Against Florida, Not-So-Wee Willie had five shots=0 goals.

8. Brett Berard continues to impress with his hustle. Mihas: "Berard soon will be a force to be reckoned with." (Good idea: start Thursday.)

9. If Fiery Fil Chytil stays healthy, he's my candidate for team MVP.

10. What in the world has happened to Alexis Lapreniere since signing his new contract? (Pre-season he was aiming at 35 goals and 70 plus points. Alas, Fat Catedness strikes again!)