Matt Rempe's Big Heavyweight Fight, J.T. Miller Rumors Run Wild And More Rangers News

1. Now that Mika (I Think I'm Getting Good Again But I'm Not Sure) Zibanejad actually scored a goal against Montreal, he's become defense counsel for Jonathan (I Wasn't So Fast Last Night) Quick.

2. "Quick has been great all year," Magical Mika insists. "He always gives us a chance to win." Really? Well, how come he's struck out three times trying to reach his 400th win? (Still waiting, Pal. Still!)

3. The Maven said yesterday – right in this space – go with Igor Shesterkin against the Habs, NOT Quick. This resulted in a key point lost that will come back and haunt the club in March; mark my words.

4. Big, BIG story. Warden Laviolette let Matt Rempe out of chains at Bell Centre for a large 7:18 minutes. The best thing that emerged from The Skating Giraffe's ice time is that when The Remper dresses, the Blueshirts almost never lose.

5. Rempe did oblige with a bout against Montreal's Arber Xhekaj. It was a good, long bout which the Hab won on points. Ex-Sabre slugger Matt Barnaby wrote on X: "Rempe is the worst fighter I've ever seen for a big guy."

6. Sooner or later we should expect the Rangers to acquire J.T. (I'm Not A Latter Day Sean Avery) Miller from dissension-riddled Vancouver. (At least that's what everyone keeps telling me.)

7. However, my Vice President In Charge of Vancouver Trades, Bernie Rohde, says WHOA! "As much as I like Miller," Rohde says, "I wouldn't include Al Lafreniere in any deal." (Nor would I.)

8. Kidding aside, do you believe that there's a single team in the NHL who would trade for Rempe? (Yeah, San Jose or Anaheim. Either could use a stand-up comic and The Remper stands tallest!)

9. Coach Laviolette liked talking postgame about the "looks" his club had against the Habs in overtime. I'll tell which Rangers had the "looks." Chris Kreider and K'Andre Miller, both lost their checks and "looked" intense as Patrik Laine swiped the winner past Quick.

10. As for the upcoming MSG visitors; both are catchable: Ottawa (tomorrow night): 46 games, 24-18-4, 52 points. Philly (Thursday) 48 games, 21-20-6, 48 points. The Rangers: 46 games, 22-20-4. 48 points. Now you know why every point counts; and why last night's lost point hurt!