Bantering Points: 4/16/23

Here are today's news and links:

Rangers News:

Mollie Walker heard from the Blueshirts about the similarities between the Devils and last year's Rangers team that also made their first playoff appearance following a five year drought (NY Post)

Ethan Sears chatted with the local color commentators of each franchise's MSG Networks broadcast team about their playoff chances (NY Post)

Larry Brooks makes the case for Adam Fox winning his second Norris Trophy in spite of the 100 point season Erik Karlsson put up for the San Jose Sharks (NY Post)

Colin Stephenson notes that although his regular season contributions were nice, the time has arrived for Patrick Kane to demonstrate the real reason the Rangers acquired him (Newsday)

Stephenson also listed three keys that could determine the Devils/Rangers playoff series (Newsday)

Vincent Mercogliano details how the Blueshirts will try to handle New Jersey's team speed that gave them fits during their regular season meetings (LoHud)

Brendan Azoff highlights how Kane's performance will go a long way in determining the tide of this series (The Hockey Writers)

Sonny Sachdeva previews the upcoming renewal of the Hudson River Rivalry (Sportsnet)

Around the NHL:

The Columbus Blue Jackets fired head coach Brad Larsen and announced that they won't be tendering a new contract to goalie coach Manny Legace (ESPN)

After going 476 regular season games without skating in the playoffs, Vegas Golden Knights' forward Jack Eichel is set to get his first taste of post season hockey this spring (TSN)