Rangers Veterans Are Starting To Ascend

Leave it to the Beloved Blueshirts to thoroughly confuse their faithful subjects.

One month they look like they're hellbent for another Presidents' Trophy. (Anyone remember October 2024?)

Then, that Big Tease was followed by all kinds of movements. My favorite was The Mika Zibanejad Marching and Chowder Society. The Chowderheads wanted to march Mika all the way to Vancouver

Then came The Great Plunge to the NHL's Subterranean depths.

I mean one newspaper guy was so deep in despond that he actually wrote that the Rangers not only had given up on their coach but their season as well.

Oh, well, now that that tragedy has ended, it's time to get really serious and seriously realistic about the Rangers and the second half of this season.

The Maven starts with Arthur (Stable As He Goes) Staple of The Athletic. Arthur sees things clearly and sees them whole so when Art predicts that the Rangers will make the playoffs, I believe him.

By contrast, my buddy – publisher Blue Collar Blueshirts – Sean (Schaefer Is The One Beer To Have If You're Having More Than One) McCaffrey displays his objectivity and says the Blueshirts will not make the postseason.

I see reality in both arguments but I'm convinced that Pistol Pete Laviolette will shape up his club; and already has. All he needs to win is dress Matt Rempe and the W is virtually in the bag.

Tomorrow the Beloveds visit Denver when I expect them to prove my point and beat the Avalanche for their third straight victory. That will reinforce my "Playoffs – Yes" argument; plus the following are some supportive details:

1. MIKA REALLY GETS IT: The skeptics have been heard over and over again. Magical Z had heard them to the point of going deaf. Something tells me that there's still gas in his tank. He'll be a surprise asset.

2. EMPEROR IGOR WILL RULE: Shesterkin's Battle Of The Bucks is over. He has experienced fatherhood and is beginning to focus again on pucks not diapers. A focused Emperor already has visions of Vezina dancing in his head.

3. BREADMAN IS SLICING: There's been a tendency to ignore Artemi's continued excellence. I expect Panarin-plus from here to the finish.

4. C – NOT V FOR VINNIE: If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times; give Trocheck the "C" because he's been leading the team since Jake Trouba went West.

5. NOT KIDDING ABOUT THE KIDS: Will Cuylle, Big Al Lafreniere, Braden Schneider and Brett (When I Return) Berard should rise to the occasion now that the games have become GAMES.

Time to focus on the Avalanche because they are focusing on the Beloveds!