It's Time To Give The Rangers Credit For This Incredible Turnaround

The Rangers have come a long way from those dog December Days when it appeared that they wouldn't even be able to compete in a Beer League.

While the turnabout has been as impressive as a five-toed sloth, nobody really knows precisely why the Blueshirt Merry-Go-Round started spinning again in the first place.

Ah, but The Maven holds the answer; it wasn't one person, one game or one penalty kill that made a difference. It was a joint effort and now it's time to give credit where credit is due. Hence,

The Official Rangers-Fischler Credit Line:

1. IGOR SHESTERKIN: Yeah, I ripped Iggy good when he deserved it but he cleanly survived the crisis when it appeared that he couldn't even have stopped The Goodyear Blimp if it was fired at him. As his record-breaking $alary implies, Shesty is the main reason the club is playoff bound. If the Beloveds make the playoffs – as they should and will – Igor will carry them.

2. VINCENT TROCHECK: The agonizing departure of Jacob Trouba left the Blueshirts without a captain. They still don't have one in name but the unannounced leader is Pittsburgh's gift to the NHL. Vinny steps forward where others fear to tread. He meets the media half way and both sides like that. I expect Old Reliable's scoring to climb in the stretch.

3. PETER LAVIOLETTE: The Man had reason to rant and rave and misbehave during the whole ugly December mess. But, all losses considered, Pistol Pete maintained revolutionary decorum. Methinks, players appreciated that although – I must say – I would have liked a Tort snort or two from Lavvy.

4. THE BREADMAN: Okay, okay, nobody's lobbying for Artemi as a Hart Trophy-winner but give Panarin a little love. He's still The Lamplighter and the club's most skilled forward. Most of the time, he earns his huge dough-re-me.

5. FIERY FIL CHYTIL: Think about it for a second – or seven for all I care – but every time this character steps on the ice, his hockey-playing life is endangered. I mean how many more concussions can this guy take? Still, he flies out on the ice as if it's his first-ever NHL turn and, really, how wonderful is that? Very! (I hope they don't trade him.)

6. WHO ELSE COULD IT POSSIBLY BE? Gotta be The Remper who keeps coming back like a song. We all are coming to learn that he's not a real person but an Action Comics creation. But who cares? The guy scores a goal – nifty one at that – and he's hailed as a conquering hero. Now that's a trick and that explains why Matt Rempe is unreal. All we have to do is pick a performer to play The Skating Giraffe in The Maven's "All-Time World Movie." (Shhh, I'm gonna ask Seinfeld if he wants the part.)