If there is to be a Rangers' push to the Finish Line and a Wild Card berth the crusade MUST start with a win tonight at The Garden.
The Maven believes that the grand assault that everyone's been waiting for will be signalled by victory over the eminently beatable Minnesota Wild. (Mind you, that's just my opinion)
"Both the Blue Jackets and Canadiens are hanging in there," says The Old Scout, "and they're not showing signs of wilting. The Habs showed it last night with a come from behind win over Florida."
Rookie Gabe Perreault's speedy arrival from Boston College should prove to be a key catalyst. Indications are that he'll be on a line with veteran J.T. Miller and the disappointing Alexis Lafrenière.
"Rangers goals won't come the way they did in San Jose," adds The Old Scout, 'but the win over the Sharks should have added some confidence to the shooters."
No less important will be a stronger-than-strong effort from goalkeeper Igor Shesterkin whose record against the non-Humpties is unimpressive, to say the least.
With Matt Rempe out, Jonny (The Eager Beaver) Brodzinski will get another chance to display his new found offense.
But if there's any area of concern it's the defense where only Bradon Schneider has displayed any consistency. Fortunately, Adam Fox emerged from his California cave so there's a bit of hope there.
"Adam played a strong game against the Sharks," The Old Scout points out, "but, then again, it was the Sharks. He's got to be a force tonight."
We could say that about Peter Laviolette, too, but – since everyone else is negatively chirping about Pistol Pete we'll let the final score be the verdict when it comes to the coaching; or lack of it.
So the Blueshirts are on a one-game winning streak which impresses nobody but The Maven. There's still time to produce one last big run.
Or, as the Maori folk song goes – translated here – "NOW IS THE HOUR!"
