How do you define "disgrace" in an NHL team? Listen up!
First, read the New York Rangers preview in The Hockey News Yearbook from last fall. THN had the Blueshirts second best in the Met.
Then compare it with the Columbus Blue Jackets forecast in the same issue. Gonzo. Below the bottom.
And if you don't have the publication – or have forgotten – The Maven will explain the contrasts.
Even before the Johnny Gaudreau tragedy, THN's Yearbook pegged the Jackets to finish an embarrassing eighth in the Metro, and a fifth straight year without a playoff berth.
By contrast, the Beloved Blueshirts – holders of the 2024 Presidents' Trophy – were listed as Met runner-up.
All things considered – especially the contrasting personnel involved – the season should have concluded with New York 'way high and Columbus way down.
But the Blue Jackets, with a virtual no-name lineup, possess a few ingredients foreign to the Blueshirts: namely guts, fortitude, motivation and a low-key organization, led by GM Don Waddell, who knows what he's doing.
"It's hard to believe," says The Old Scout, "but Columbus still could squeeze into the second Wild Card. And even if they miss, their rush down the stretch has been nothing but heart-warming, considering the Gaudreau tragedy.
By contrast, the Rangers disintegration has been a disgrace that's become tje talk of the league.Two former Blueshirts – Mike Rupp and Michael Del Zotto – were discussing it yesterday.
"It starts from the top," says Rupp who was fingering Chris Drury. "It's a problem." Del Zotto accused coach Peter Laviolette in just four little words: "He lost the room."
With the Blue Jackets, it's the exact opposite. Every time Dean Evason's team seemed down for the count, it bounced back.
"They may not have the big-money guys," adds The Old Scout, "Their goalie Elvis Merzlikins may not get the press that Igor Shesterkin gets but Elvis has been good enough to keep his club alive."
If Carolina somehow beats the Canadiens tonight in Montreal and the Blue Jackets win at home tomorrow to the Islanders, the BJ's will have pulled off one of the most improbable comebacks in NHL annals.
And even if they don't, their resiliency – starting with the twin Gaudreau deaths – has been nothing short of remarkable, inspiring and motivating.
In short, the valiant BJ's have done everything right. The disgraceful Ranges have not!
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