Questions About Mika Zibanejad, Zac Jones And More Rangers Thoughts

1. IS IT POSSIBLE FOR MIKA ZIBANEJAD TO STAR AGAIN? The Maven says: Don't laugh! Please. (And that goes for You, too, Sean.) Slowly, but surely, it's happening already. Mika is like a flame going out in the rain; but hasn't gone out yet; and now the rain stopped. This month will give us a definitive answer. Meanwhile, tonight's game will give us a hint of things to come.

2. SHOULD WE FORGET ABOUT ZAC JONES AS A RANGER? The Maven says: Miracles happen but Jones is as gone as the Midnight Local out of Penn Station. The Kid has permission to request a trade and, I expect, GM Drury will get less than Jones is worth. Stubbornness or what, but neither Drury nor his estimable coach gave Zac a fair chance to prove himself.

3. WHAT'S GOING ON WITH WILL CUYLLE'S DROP IN SCORING? The Maven says: Not to worry. Willing Will never was billed as a Rocket Richard Trophy-winner. Cuylle's game is grit first and lamp-lighting thereafter. Be thankful with what he's done so far.

4. APART FROM SHESTERKIN IS THERE AN UNTOUCHABLE? The Maven says: YES! Breadman Panarin up front, Adam Fox in the back along with the good kids under 26. That, of course, is contingent on the Blueshirts remaining in playoff contention.

5. HOW OPTIMISTIC SHOULD A RANGER FAN GET? The Maven says: I agree with The Athletic's Arthur Staple that the Blueshirts will make the postseason. The basic formula remains the same. Shesterkin – with a little help from Quick – will carry them. The power play – so key! – is clicking and Drury's additions, for the most part, have worked. Once they get in, not only can "anything" happen, it likely WILL!