Jonathan Quick Is Making Things Interesting

Who needs Shesterkin?

The Rangers are in Vancouver tomorrow to play a real hockey team, not another Humpty like the 2-0 losing, non-playoff Kraken who’ve suffered four shutouts already.

I’d give Quick the assignment although I know Peter Laviolette wouldn’t want to hurt Shesty’s feelings.

“New York plays a sharper, faster game with Quick in goal,” says The Old Scout. “They’re more alert and don’t seem to miss (Fil) Chytil.”

The Maven predicted yesterday that the Blueshirts would win on their Western swing. It seems that the Northwest air brings out the best in them and it should tomorrow in The Jewel of British Columbia, Vancouver.

With a 9-5-3 record, the Canucks loomed as a contender under Adams Award-winning coach Rick Tocchet.

“Rick improved their fitness, resiliency and defensive structure,” wrote Ben Kuzma in The Hockey News Yearbook. “Meanwhile, GM Patrik Alvin isn’t afraid to swing for the fences in trade talks.”

Meanwhile, Rangers GM Chris Drury may be thinking of trading with oft-concussed center Fiery Fil Chytil out for an indefinite amount of time. But the Blueshirts got all the offense they needed in Seattle with goals by Big Al Lafreniere and impressive Zac Jones.

Breadman Panarin set up Lafreniere while Kaapo Kakko and Wee Willie Cuylle helped Jones.

“Cuylle is turning into a very valuable all-round forward,” added The Old Scout, “and he never tires of hitting. He reminds me of the retired Islander Cal Clutterbuck.”

Of course, there’s no need to go nuts over a W against this Seattle team with the ever-cracks-me-up nickname. But it does underline a good point and that is – while Chytil will be missed, his absence won’t torpedo this team.

Quick will assure us of that.