Confession time -- I made my "I Believe In Miracles" speech on Friday because I figured it would all be over by the time I wrote today's column. This being Vermont, I've parked the Playoff Bus on a friend's lawn until next season. Still, obsession being what it is, let's read today's dailies. There are, after all, some interesting subplots running right now.

The latest On The Farm arrives just in time to make you smile.

The Rodent has a short one today -- a rant regarding the same play that cause me to tune out last night. (Not literally -- I kept the game on but I puttered about the apartment carving wooden birds and roasting a suckling pig while the game played in the background.)

Here's a pleasant diversion that does not require whittling skills. Heather's checked in with a new installment of On The Farm. Players get naked at a charity event and wait on Heather hand and foot. Or something.

The Daily News -- Let the bidding begin!

Not that getting much of value in return will be easy. One scout in attendance last night simply shook his head in disgust when asked about what he was witnessing.

"It just looks like they've quit," he said.

Let's see if we can alternate depressing statements like that with optimistic pieces like this one from The Post on Lindros' condition. Lindros is feeling better and will see Dr. Johnson in Montreal today. (More on that below -- I have to dole out the good news.) Of course, Larry Brooks has to bring me down with the following speculation:

If Lindros is cleared to play prior to the March 9 trade deadline by Dr. Johnston, a Cup contender seeking depth down the middle - can anyone spell, Detroit? - might have interest in making a conditional deal for him.

Yes, I realize that I'm being unrealistic and overly sentimental but, honestly, I've grown fond of Lindros during his tenure here in New York. He's worked hard, he's never complained, he's been shown a positive, upbeat face to the public and he's been quietly effective, despite being jerked around by coaches who can't figure out how to utilize him. This season he was unquestionably the best Ranger on the ice until his injury. I'd like to see him be a part of the new Rangers, at least for as long as he's able to play. I know I'm in the minority and probably not thinking logically but...

Moving one to more depressing news, here's a recap of last night's cruddy game, also from The Post.

In order to have even a minuscule shot at the top pick - 8.1 percent for the team fifth from the bottom, 10.7 percent for the fourth - the Rangers must lose enough over the remaining 20 games to allow Carolina and Washington to leapfrog them in the overall standings.

Some of the quotes in today's press from Holik and Messier make me fear that we need to post a suicide watch. The above article contains several such despondant quotes.

I agree with those who say that Sather is not in a position to come right out and say, "Yeah, we suck and the season is over," but, he has a quote in today's Star Ledger that is either delusional or calculated. "It's at the point now where we can't lose any more hockey games." Sorry Glen -- it's well past that point and I really hope you recognize that.

On the brightside, Jagr watch! Winger Jaromir Jagr played with the flu and kept his point-scoring streak going at seven games by picking up the Rangers' only goal. He has six goals and seven assists in the last seven games. More on that later.

Also in the Star Ledger, another article on Lindros. According to Rangers coach Glen Sather, Eric Lindros has felt no post-concussion symptoms for five days and will see neurologist Karen Johnston in Montreal today for an official update on his health.

Barnaby has some interesting thoughts for his friend:

"As a friend, I would not like to see him play this year," Barnaby said. "I know he's feeling better, and he's been really upbeat lately. I'd love to see him back in our lineup and playing for us. He's dying to get back."

"But right now, he's safe where he is. Being his friend, I worry about him."

The Journal News -- Call it a day. Here's a funny Jagr quote:

"We have to play smarter. Thirteen points behind is a lot of points to make up."

Surely Jagr is not also thinking that the Rangers can make the playoffs. He's probably speaking of the race for the scoring title where he trails leader Robert Lang by 13 points. Jagr is averaging over a point per game since coming to the Rangers. With a slight increase in productivity, he actually has a shot at the title. It's gives me a reason to watch the games ;)

The New York Times reminds us that regime change begins at home. It's the saddest story in New York sports these days. Skating slowly and softly on their treadmill to oblivion, the Rangers are about to fall miserably short of qualifying for the Stanley Cup playoffs for the seventh consecutive season.

The article quickly grew too depressing for my tastes so I stopped reading it.

Ditto on today's final article -- a wrap up covering all of the above by Jason Diamos.

Anyway, speculating on what exciting prospects we may obtain between now and the trade deadline should give us some entertainment. That and the awesome new poker forum.

Later ya'll,

-- Rightbug

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