Stan Fischler

Oh, yeah. Along with my birthday thanks; hockey writing and writing about Old Brooklyn give me great motivation. My 36-chapter TALES OF BROOKLYN has gone into a 2d printing. It's available from Amazon at less than $20. Lotta hockey, Brooklyn Dodgers, Homefront during WW II, Plus.

Exceptional THANKS to those who've wished me a Happy (93) Birthday, March 31. I'm grateful to be blessed with two wonderful sons, Ben and Simon, and a supportive family. And grateful beyond words to remain actively writing with both warm support and harsh critics. Love you all!

The @NYIslanders Band of Brothers just has to keep plugging away, hope for the best. They're fortunate to still be in the race. Make the most of it.

What did The Maven tell you: The @NYRangers surge has begun. The crusade -- Playoffs Or Bust -- is now authentic. Watch for a "Welcome Home" win over Minny on Wednesday followed by a 3d straight over NJ. This could (will) be the start of something big.

Beware the rampaging @NYRangers starting tonight. Gloves off; BIG PUSH will begin in San Jose.

Tough sked for the @NYIslanders but, miraculously they're still in the Wild Card mix; just a point behind the @NYRangers with two games in hand. Band of Brothers must give it all that they've got since this ain't over yet.

It was going to be 3 cheers for the @NYRangers late in them 3d period and turns from 3 cheers to 4 UGH! UGH! UGH! UGH. Ah, but the optimist says, 1. They got a road point; 2. They're tied with the B-J's and Habs and they'll win with Quick in goal vs. San Jose and be on their way!

A DON'T MISS READ: Remy Mastey has a Sam Rosen exclusive interview on The Hockey News/Rangers website. It's about how his parents and Sam escaped the World War II Holocaust and how Mr.- Mrs. Rosen made it to postwar Germany and eventually Brooklyn and a new life. A Remy prize!

Major challenges for the @Islanders Band of Brothers. Then again, that's what the NHL Homestretch is all about. And if you don't believe me, ask the @NYRangers. No matter how you shake it, this is an exciting Wild Card race.

The Maven says the @NYRangers should import Torts right now. Read details in my Hockey News/Rangers column on Friday. Even without Torts, I predict that they'll back in as they did in 1950 and went to the Cup Final. With Torts, the sky's the limit because he's MADE for this team.

The @NYIslanders took another one on the chin last night and have some toughies ahead. The Band of Brothers just has to follow Red Dutton's credo: KEEP PUNCHING! That's what's necessary from here to the end.

There's 4 points for the @NYRangers taking starting in Anaheim and then San Jose. At this point there's no excuse -- NONE! -- for a lack of 100 percent effort up and down the line. The Wild Card berth is there for the taking. Blueshirts have had the talent all along. Will???

Opportunity knocks for the @NYIslanders valiant Band of Brothers tonight at UBS. They must view the disallowed goal vs. Columbus as a grin and bear it occurrence and take on Vancouver with all shooters blazing. With all Wild Card foes losing last night, Roy's skaters must win.

There goes the @NYRangers 1-game winning streak. Egad! A big chance to move Wild Card-Up. Nay! The Blueshirts get out-goaled; out-goalied (Kuemper over Shesty) out-power-played, outshot and, Heavens to Betsy, Large Man Rempe gets knocked on his keister. Good News: Humpties next.

This is as good a time as any for the @NYRangers to win No. 2 as part of the latest 3-game win streak crusade. And, please -- pretty please, in fact -- don't dare tell me that the @LAKings cannot be beaten. L.A. has neither Shesterkin nor Quick. The poor Kings are deprived!

The @NYIslanders Band of Brothers deserved two points last night and I'll leave it at that. Point is that they got a point and are valiantly hangin' in there which few, if any, expected at this time. Wild race!

Congratulations to the two Israeli hockey teams who put on a terrific show at UBS Arena yesterday. What a thrill to see my old pal Ivan Gluck -- an eternal player -- drop the ceremonial puck. MAZEL TOV all around and for the Islanders hosting this magical game.