The Rangers Glass Is Almost Half Full But Still Not Full Enough

It's a point for the Blueshirts; that's all that matters. And it will matter a heck of a lot more in the March homestretch.

The Stars invaded The Garden last night as one of the NHL's elite teams and eked out a 5-4 decision on an OT power play over the Beloved Blueshirts.

"If anything," says The Old Scout, "the overall result was that the Rangers are not quitting on their coach."

Granted, Peter Laviolette's skaters forgot to beware of "The Dreaded Three Goal Lead" but recovered from that blunder.

What's more, a Murderers Row Line became revitalized thanks to Should-Be-Next-Captain Vincent Trocheck's two red-lighters and a helper.

"We've been playing a lot better," said Adam Fox, who's still far from being the Norris Trophy-winner we knew and loved.

"Better" was part of last night's equation because Alexis (Sleeping Pills) Lafrenière found a new favorite song, "It's A Good Day" and also found the back of the net – I kid you not – TWICE!

Here's what matters: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Columbus all are within striking distance while "Playoffs Or Bust" must remain the club's theme.

Now for the bad news:

* There's no target date for Igor Shesterkin's goaltending return.

* Injury-riddled Fiery Fil Chyti exited the second period with one of those ultra-mysterious "Upper Body" wounds. (Who knows what that means?)

* Promising Hartford goalie Dylan Garand has been injured. (He was a possible replacement callup for Louis Domingue.)

A potential win was subverted by specific blunders. The Maven's super scout Jess Rubenstein noted:

"Mika Zibanejad was horrible with a couple of turnovers that directly led to Dallas goals and Artemi Panarin took a dumb penalty that led to the Stars' overtime winner."

K'Andre Miller was no bargain either with his late third period tying goal turnover. Or as Sean Avery so aptly tweeted:

"Miller takes one step forward and ten steps backward."

Lavvy's Lads can take a big step forward tomorrow night when the Devils visit MSG.

Whether there's going to be a Rempe Rumpus or not, The Maven guarantees that this one will be – as they say on Surf Avenue in Coney Island – "A LOLLAPALOOZER!"

Or, as The Maven says, Beware The Dreaded Three-Goal Lead!