Here are some positive and negative things the Rangers have done.
1. I like the fact that Jacob Trouba – whether you like him or not – is loyal to the Blueshirts and wants to remain a Ranger. Two YAYS for that. The BOO follows.
I don't like the way the general staff – You Mister Drury – are treating the formerly illustrious captain. (You know what; another season with a healthy, hitting, focused Jake won't be the worst thing in the world.)
2. I like Auston Matthews' comment about having Adam Fox as his teammate on Team USA in the Four Nations Tourney. "I like Adam's confidence and poise," says the Leafs' ace. "When we played together (with USA Hockey) he showed me just how special he could be. He was a bit undersized then but not now."
I don't like the way Fox performed in the season's homestretch and in the playoffs. Nor do I like the fact that coach Peter Laviolette played his top D-man when Adam was underperforming during the playoffs due to an obvious recurring injury. (Fox's injury should have been treated more intensively after it happened earlier in the season since management knew the club would make the playoffs.)
3. I like the fact that the team gave Jimmy Vesey a second chance, AND that Jimmy has become the club's mini-MVP in so many ways.
I don't like the fact that the high command believes that Vesey is a career third or fourth liner. Personally, I'd love to see Jimmy V given a shot to play alongside Mika Z. (Hey, you never know!)
4. I like the way management treats many of its more recent heroes such as Stephane Matteau, the 1994 mini-Cup hero – after Mark Messier and Mike Richter.
I don't like the way eternal heroes such as Frank Boucher are not given the banner treatment despite the fact that he's a Hall of Famer and one of the greatest centers in NHL annals and the balance wheel between Bill and Bun Cook for a pair of Stanley Cup-winners – 1928 and 1933. (Boucher owns more Lady Byng Trophies than any NHLer in history.)
