In an adjoining column, I detailed the Panthers' climb to become a near dynasty. The following column looks at how the Rangers match up vis-a-vis the Champs:
1. TOUGHNESS: Will Cuylle is the closest thing to a Matthew Tkachuk on the Blueshirts. Period! Matt Rempe helps when given enough ice time. To say the Rangers need a Sam Bennett would be the understatement of the half-century. On defense, the most rugged "toughie" is Braden Schneider.
2. ROSTER BLEND: GM Chris Drury began the rebuild by dumping Chris Kreider for an unknown. More changes will be made over the next few weeks – and months – depending on who is tradeable – K'Andre Miller, for one – and who's available. Hopefully the Young Turks led by Brennan Othmann and Gabe Perreault will freshen the roster.
3. GOALTENDING: Both Igor Shesterkin and Jonathan Quick are cemented into the lineup. Based on their 2024-25 work, there's no guarantee how well they'll play next term.
4. POWER FORWARDS: Will Cuylle; at least pending future deals. Rempe – if he can avoid another suspension.
5. MANAGER-COACH: Chris Drury and Mike Sullivan are here to stay; at least through 2024-25. Judging by past performances it's anyone's guess what happens thereafter.
6. KEY ADDS: Ah, there's the rub. We'll have that answer after: a. The Free Agent Frenzy; b. Mid-Season deals; c. The Trade Deadline.
MAVEN RECOMMENDATION TO ALL RANGERS FANS: Accent-U-Ate-The-Positive: Eliminate The Negative; Latch On To The Affirmative And Don't Mess With Mister In-Between!
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