Don't Be Stupid, Peter Laviolette; Go With Your Best

[ASFN Admin]

You must be registered for see images attach

This evening – at The Garden – we'll find out whether Peter Laviolette knows anything about goaltending, and winning hockey.

If he starts with his No.1 Man In Goal, Emperor Igor Shesterkin, Savvy Lavvy will be doing the smart thing.

If he, instead, starts backup Jonathan Quick it will be like taking a chance on love; you just can't be sure, can you?

And with the Rangers holding on to the last wild card spot with a gossamer string, well, any wise coach would go with his best.

"The problem," says The Old Scout, "is that Shesty played last night in Columbus and Peter might figure that 'back to back' is too much for him; therefore go with Quick."

Nonsense. The World's Richest Goalie will have had plenty of time to rest from last night's game to tonight's. Besides, Iggie didn't have to work very hard against the weakened Blue Jackets.

"I say go with Igor tonight," insists my insightful super scout Jess Rubenstein, "and come back with Quick on Tuesday against Calgary. Then start Igor when the Maple Leafs come to The Garden on Thursday."

The other annoying item to keep in mind is that the Beloved Blueshirts have not enjoyed a three-game winning streak since last Veterans Day, if you can remember that far back, 'cause I can't.

Finally, getting a hat trick of W's with a win over McDavid, Inc. will be roughly equivalent to Matt Rempe outscoring Leon Draisaitl.

Hey, could happen. Seat belts on, if you will!

Continue reading...