The Player Who Can Make The Rangers Tough Enough

Chatting with my buddy Vic Morren, who does such a splendid job on NHL Wrapup with Neil Smith, I brought up the annual question.

Can the Rangers win The Stanley Cup?

Ever honest, Morren came back with a candid comment: "No, they are not tough enough."

That explains why they were knocked out of the playoffs last spring by tough, tumble and talented Florida.

But as we prepare for the new season, it would seem as if coach Peter Laviolette is one toughie away from icing a club with enough grit to go along with the goals. Will Cuylle, Jimmy Vesey, Ryan Lindgren, Jacob Trouba and Braden Schneider all are

capable of dishing it out and taking it. Add a full season of Matt Rempe and I say one more rugged character could fill the bopping bill.

Brennan Othmann, who passes and hits at top speed, is the missing piece.

Now is the time for Othmann to display his NHL ability. I firmly believe that this group – Cuylle, Vesey, Lindgren, Trouba, Schneider, Rempe and Othmann – will adequately supply the necessary toughness missing last spring.