Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
The Florida Panthers are one win away from reaching the Stanley Cup Final and one reason for that is a fella from Finland named Niko Mikkola.
All he did last night as the Panthers routed Carolina 6-2 was score a pair of goals including the game-winner. This guy is good at that.
And if you’re wondering why this should be of interest to Blueshirt fans, think no more. Niko The Magnificent once was a Ranger – and a darn good one on defense.
“He really liked playing in New York,” says The Maven’s Florida reporter Al Greenberg, “and he wanted to stay a Ranger.”
But, Chris Drury, that brilliant mind behind all Blueshirts blunders, totally ignored Niko who, sadly, became a free agent.
When Panthers’ boss Bill Zito looked at the NHL’s “Situations Wanted” list in the paper, and saw the name Niko Mikkola he thought he was wearing rose-collared glasses and then hummed, “With My Eyes Wide Open I’m Dreaming.”
Then, he mused, “This fella can play” because his scouts told him so.
Billy Z couldn’t believe that he didn’t even have to trade for a seasoned blueliner reaching his defending prime. Zito broke all available speed records finding a pen and signed this fine, feathered find to a deal.
Now you have yet another reason why the Rangers defense is somewhat to the left of putrid and Florida’s has the best D squad around, give or take nothing!
“Mikkola played well in the Cup run last year,” adds Greenberg, “and he’s playing well as everyone can see.”
Niko’s not the only solid blue liner who the dauntless Drury let slip out of his grasp.
Remember Neal Pionk? He was good in New York and should have remained a Ranger. Well, well, well, the persistent Pionk jist completed a very successful run on the Winnipeg blue line.
He factored in the Jets’ miracle playoff win over St. Louis and, like, Nikkola, is in his 29 year-old prime.
“Those were big losses for the Rangers,” adds The Old Scout. “Either one is better than Adam Fox, K’Andre Miller and Braden Schneider. You can bet that Drury is sorry he let them go. Then, a pause: “Or should be sorry!”
Who’s sorry now? Certainly not the Panthers nor the Jets.
Matter of fact; Mikkola may be hoisting The Stanley Cup again next month. (Calendar Note:) the Stanley Cup happened to the Rangers 31 years ago this spring.)