Story by
‘Spittin’ Chiclets’ host eyes Rangers making playoffs, ready to take credit
- Story by
- ‘Spittin’ Chiclets’ host eyes Rangers making playoffs, ready to take credit
The New York Rangers have a new supporter in their corner for the 2026-27 season, and he goes by the nickname Biz .
Paul Bissonnette , a veteran of 202 NHL games who has cultivated an impressive post-playing career in sports media, sang the Rangers ' praises on a recent edition of the Spittin' Chiclets podcast. While previewing the Metropolitan Division, he shared his keys for a successful season for the Blueshirts.
"I think a lot is going to [depend] on … power play maintaining what it's done, and getting off to a hot start," Bissonnette said. "Gaining that early confidence, getting the crowd on your side."
Paul Bissonnette believes J.T. Miller's appearance in 'Sandbagger' video will be a 'spark'
Bissonnette, who is also an analyst for the NHL on TNT, then asserted his belief that captain J.T. Miller's recent appearance on the show's Sandbagger Scramble series on YouTube, when he displayed his sharp sense of humor alongside former Rangers center Vincent Trocheck , could be a catalyst for an appearance in the Stanley Cup Playoffs this season.
Advertisement
"I honestly think that the Sandbagger could be a big, big spark to the New York Rangers' season, and by the end of it, [Rangers' owner James] Dolan might be inviting us to sit in the box with him for the first round of the playoffs," Bissonnette said. "That could be the type of turnaround we're talking about."
Danny Wild-Imagn ImagesCredit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
That take was somewhat tongue-in-cheek, capped by Bissonnette taking credit for a potential rebound season by the Rangers and their captain. Of course, in order to get back into the postseason, the Rangers do need Miller to bounce back after injuries and inconsistent production low-lighted a 17-goal, 53-point campaign for him in 2025-26.
Ultimately, Bissonnette followed his semi-serious analysis of the Rangers with a concrete prediction: New York will end a two-year drought and qualify for the playoffs this season.
Advertisement
"It is no longer 'the Fugazi's' for me," Bissonnette said. "I have these guys getting in."
'Spittin' Chiclets' podcast co-hosts less optimistic about Rangers playoff chances
Co-hosts Ryan Whitney and Keith Yandle were less optimistic about the Rangers playoff chances in 2026-27. However, each former NHL defenseman agreed that New York will be an improved team compared to last season, when the Rangers finished last in the Eastern Conference . Whitney shared his admiration for young forwards Will Cuylle and Noah Laba , while Yandle predicted a 70-point campaign for defenseman Adam Fox .
Sam Navarro-Imagn ImagesCredit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Neither, however, had New York as a playoff team this year.
Advertisement
The trio of Bissonnette, Whitney and Yandle all hit on a key reason for hope among Rangers' fans, both for this season and for years to come: the youth movement up front . With the addition of Pavel Dorofeyev this summer, New York has seven forwards on their PuckPedia roster age 25 or younger to start the season. The group of Dorofeyev, Cuylle, Laba, Alexis Lafrenière , Tye Kartye , Gabe Perreault and Matt Rempe are forming the foundation for the next era of competitive hockey at Madison Square Garden.
And right behind them are young intriguing prospects like Liam Greentree, Cole Beaudoin, and Nathan Aspinall. Plus, let's not forget 18-year-old defenseman Alberts Smits , the No. 5 overall pick in this year's draft.
The Rangers drop the puck on the preseason Monday, Sept. 21 on the road against the Devils, the first of four games in five nights. They begin the regular season on Tuesday, Sept. 29 against the Boston Bruins up at TD Garden.
Related Headlines
Advertisement
