The Hockey Maven Picks His Five Favorite Rangers
But only a special few can root hard for the lesser lights. The Maven happens to be one of them. So, here's the summertime edition of "My Five Favorite Rangers."
By the way, no agreement on your part is necessary. After all, we can agree to disagree, can't we? (Please say yes, or I might just might shed a tear.)
1. WILL CUYLLE: I especially like guys who come out of nowhere and suddenly emerge as useful characters. This 23-year-old, 6-3, 210 pounder out of Toronto is more than useful. He hits; hits some more, scores and coach Sullivan only wishes he had ten more like him. Plus, More-Than-Willing Will has emerged as a key figure in "The New Core." (What's not to like?)
2. JONNY BRODZINSKI: Ham Lake, Minnesota's gift to Manhattan was listed as "fifth center" a year ago. That was another way of saying, "Enjoy, Hartford, Pal." And, if you really wanna know the truth, 32-year-old Brod would have been perfectly happy, working with young Wolf Pack prospects. But Jonny was such a successful fill-in that management preferred him with the Big Club. (He should be a fixture this year.)
3. BRADEN SCHNEIDER: Unobtrusively, and without any fuss or fanfare this model of a solid, all-round defender should be regarded as the Number Two blue liner right behind Adam Fox. Just 24, Schneid has reached his prime simply by doing the right things at his position; as opposed to K'Andre Miller who was listed #2 a year ago. (We found out what a mistake that was, didn't we?)
Promise For The Rangers Or Failure? Who Do You Want To Believe? Let's not kid ourselves, at this point of midsummer it's impossible how the
Rangers will fare in the fall, winter or spring next season.
4. ADAM EDSTROM: The Swede's buddy, Matt Rempe, could take some lessons from his alter ego skyscraper. Adam doesn't do what Matt does. Edstrom doesn't get suspended; he doesn't do crazy, illegal board checks and he plays smart. Rempe should have spent the summer taking lessons from Edstrom. Right now it appears that Adam is a sure thing in terms of making the varsity. The Remper? (No guarantees at this time.)
5. JONATHAN QUICK: The S.O.S. Man, Long Jon has become the backup goalie's backup goalie. He's also commodore-in-chief behind the scenes, especially in the clubhouse. (Quite frankly, if the spirit moved him. Quckie could shout "Hallelujah" and play two more seasons.)
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