for the last 3 losses to the Islanders. The Rangers were never chasing Boston, not with the two games they had in hand. Those last 3 Islander games were essentially playoff games and we got swept. We missed the playoffs by 6pts right behind the Islanders.
yup, not only swept, but 13 - 1 domination over 3 games, an embarrassment. Quinn had zero answers during or after the games.
Those along with too many underwhelming performances vs top of the table last two months.
Jamie Lundmark, who was supposed to be the high floor guy next to Pavel Brendl as the high ceiling guy, and in the end neither of them were worth a shit.
I'd be interested in if you're looking at younger coaches who have been behind an NHL bench is Alex Burrows
You may remember Burrows as the 2011 SCF villain vs Boston - he (allegedly) bit Patrice Bergeron and had a good series otherwise (an OT GW in game 2).
He is one of the up and coming coaches IMO that the question isn't if he'll be a head coach, it's when.
Love the power play creativity and in general players rave about him - when you hear commentary on an assistant coach you know something is different about him.
and I love his story of working his way up from the ECHL. I wonder how many players went that route - you know you're earning your shit when you don't get drafted and wind up a legit NHLer.
I hope MTL keeps him though.
RE: RE: I think they're almost definitely going to hire a veteran coach
so I don't think Knoblauch will be a consideration. I've said it for months, but I Gerard Gallant is by far my #1 choice. He has a proven track record, he helps develop young players and his teams are gritty and hard to play against. Gallant himself was a pain in the fucking ass when he was on the Red Wings. I'm sure Sather will love that.
Other guys I think the Rangers will look at:
Rick Tocchet (ehhhh)
Bruce Boudreau (fuck that fat fuck)
Claude Julien (probably my second choice after Gallant)
Mike Babcock (no thank you)
Bob Hartley (no thank you)
Patrick Roy (no)
Torts (no)
Sounds like you have a good handle on this. Can you elaborate on why you think what you think on these guys? Are there others that you think may be in the mix?
Gallant - Pros: he did the most with the least. He led the Vegas Golden Knights to the Stanley Cup in their inaugural season and led a somewhat pedestrian Panthers team to the best record in their division in 2015. That team had a nice blend of veterans (they had Jagr and Jussi Jokinen) and youngsters (like Barkov, Ekblad, Trochek and Huberdeau) much like what the Rangers have now. He was a tough-ass player in Detroit and that carries over into coaching philosophy.
Cons: he's been fired unceremoniously by two different teams despite his successes. The Panthers literally fired him, kicked him off the bus and made him call his own taxi. There's something there (perhaps an attitude issue?), but I don't think it's ever been concluded what.
Tocchet - Pros: led an anemic and a dysfunctional Coyotes organization to be somewhat respectable. I mean it can be said that he squeezed every ounce of talent out of that team. Won two Stanley Cups as an assistant with Pittsburgh and was a hell of a player back in the day for the Penguins and Flyers. Tough and hard-nosed coach, who expects the same out of his players.
Cons: in 6 seasons with the Lightning and Coyotes, he only made the postseason once, which amounted to a first round exit.
Boudreau - Pros: He has the second-highest winning percentage in NHL history for a coach who has coached at least 900 games. In 12 full seasons behind the bench, Boudreau has made the playoffs 10 times.
Cons: In those 10 playoff appearance, he never made the Stanley Cup. Also got on Rangers' fans nerves when he said MSG wasn't that loud. Similar to Gallant, he also has somewhat of a short leash despite his successes. Perhaps he rubs ownership/management the wrong way?
Claude Julien - Pros: Been to the Stanley Cup twice with the Bruins. Has a puck-dominant philosophy, which can lead to a lot of offense.
Cons: has health concerns. His most recent stint in Montreal was rather unsuccessful, as PJ can attest to. Hasn't been past the first round since 2013.
Mike Babcock - Pros: He's been a HC since 2002 and with the exception of two seasons has made the playoffs every single (full) season. His teams are very disciplined. Babcock's teams generally focus on skills and puck possession over physical play and toughness. Been to three Stanley Cups.
Cons: many of his players absolutely hate his guts. He can be a real asshole (just ask Mitch Marner). He's essentially a persona non grata.
Bob Hartley - Pros: another highly-winning HC. He's a hard-ass and a disciplinarian (could be a con). Think of Tom Coughlin with ice skates. Coached Chris Drury to a Stanley Cup in Colorado in 2000-2001.
Cons: His most recent stint with Calgary was a bust. Hasn't coached in the NHL since 2016.
Patrick Roy - Pros: HOF goalie. Ex-teammate of Chris Drury.
Cons: only made the playoffs once in 3 years coaching the Avalanche (though he won the Jack Adams for best coach). Made A LOT Of questionable coaching decisions.
And finally,
John Tortorella - Pros: winningest American HC in NHL history. Gets the most out of his team. Had a lot of success with the Rangers. Knows New York and the media. Dolan loves him. Uncle Larry hates him. Won the Stanley Cup.
Cons: can be very hard on young players. Andddddd his reputation precedes him. He can be a reaaaaaaaal prick.
RE: RE: RE: I think they're almost definitely going to hire a veteran coach
so I don't think Knoblauch will be a consideration. I've said it for months, but I Gerard Gallant is by far my #1 choice. He has a proven track record, he helps develop young players and his teams are gritty and hard to play against. Gallant himself was a pain in the fucking ass when he was on the Red Wings. I'm sure Sather will love that.
Other guys I think the Rangers will look at:
Rick Tocchet (ehhhh)
Bruce Boudreau (fuck that fat fuck)
Claude Julien (probably my second choice after Gallant)
Mike Babcock (no thank you)
Bob Hartley (no thank you)
Patrick Roy (no)
Torts (no)
Sounds like you have a good handle on this. Can you elaborate on why you think what you think on these guys? Are there others that you think may be in the mix?
Gallant - Pros: he did the most with the least. He led the Vegas Golden Knights to the Stanley Cup in their inaugural season and led a somewhat pedestrian Panthers team to the best record in their division in 2015. That team had a nice blend of veterans (they had Jagr and Jussi Jokinen) and youngsters (like Barkov, Ekblad, Trochek and Huberdeau) much like what the Rangers have now. He was a tough-ass player in Detroit and that carries over into coaching philosophy.
Cons: he's been fired unceremoniously by two different teams despite his successes. The Panthers literally fired him, kicked him off the bus and made him call his own taxi. There's something there (perhaps an attitude issue?), but I don't think it's ever been concluded what.
Tocchet - Pros: led an anemic and a dysfunctional Coyotes organization to be somewhat respectable. I mean it can be said that he squeezed every ounce of talent out of that team. Won two Stanley Cups as an assistant with Pittsburgh and was a hell of a player back in the day for the Penguins and Flyers. Tough and hard-nosed coach, who expects the same out of his players.
Cons: in 6 seasons with the Lightning and Coyotes, he only made the postseason once, which amounted to a first round exit.
Boudreau - Pros: He has the second-highest winning percentage in NHL history for a coach who has coached at least 900 games. In 12 full seasons behind the bench, Boudreau has made the playoffs 10 times.
Cons: In those 10 playoff appearance, he never made the Stanley Cup. Also got on Rangers' fans nerves when he said MSG wasn't that loud. Similar to Gallant, he also has somewhat of a short leash despite his successes. Perhaps he rubs ownership/management the wrong way?
Claude Julien - Pros: Been to the Stanley Cup twice with the Bruins. Has a puck-dominant philosophy, which can lead to a lot of offense.
Cons: has health concerns. His most recent stint in Montreal was rather unsuccessful, as PJ can attest to. Hasn't been past the first round since 2013.
Mike Babcock - Pros: He's been a HC since 2002 and with the exception of two seasons has made the playoffs every single (full) season. His teams are very disciplined. Babcock's teams generally focus on skills and puck possession over physical play and toughness. Been to three Stanley Cups.
Cons: many of his players absolutely hate his guts. He can be a real asshole (just ask Mitch Marner). He's essentially a persona non grata.
Bob Hartley - Pros: another highly-winning HC. He's a hard-ass and a disciplinarian (could be a con). Think of Tom Coughlin with ice skates. Coached Chris Drury to a Stanley Cup in Colorado in 2000-2001.
Cons: His most recent stint with Calgary was a bust. Hasn't coached in the NHL since 2016.
Patrick Roy - Pros: HOF goalie. Ex-teammate of Chris Drury.
Cons: only made the playoffs once in 3 years coaching the Avalanche (though he won the Jack Adams for best coach). Made A LOT Of questionable coaching decisions.
And finally,
John Tortorella - Pros: winningest American HC in NHL history. Gets the most out of his team. Had a lot of success with the Rangers. Knows New York and the media. Dolan loves him. Uncle Larry hates him. Won the Stanley Cup.
Cons: can be very hard on young players. Andddddd his reputation precedes him. He can be a reaaaaaaaal prick.
Given these descriptions, Torts sounds like by far and away the best option.
so I don't think Knoblauch will be a consideration. I've said it for months, but I Gerard Gallant is by far my #1 choice. He has a proven track record, he helps develop young players and his teams are gritty and hard to play against. Gallant himself was a pain in the fucking ass when he was on the Red Wings. I'm sure Sather will love that.
Other guys I think the Rangers will look at:
Rick Tocchet (ehhhh)
Bruce Boudreau (fuck that fat fuck)
Claude Julien (probably my second choice after Gallant)
Mike Babcock (no thank you)
Bob Hartley (no thank you)
Patrick Roy (no)
Torts (no)
Sounds like you have a good handle on this. Can you elaborate on why you think what you think on these guys? Are there others that you think may be in the mix?
Gallant - Pros: he did the most with the least. He led the Vegas Golden Knights to the Stanley Cup in their inaugural season and led a somewhat pedestrian Panthers team to the best record in their division in 2015. That team had a nice blend of veterans (they had Jagr and Jussi Jokinen) and youngsters (like Barkov, Ekblad, Trochek and Huberdeau) much like what the Rangers have now. He was a tough-ass player in Detroit and that carries over into coaching philosophy.
Cons: he's been fired unceremoniously by two different teams despite his successes. The Panthers literally fired him, kicked him off the bus and made him call his own taxi. There's something there (perhaps an attitude issue?), but I don't think it's ever been concluded what.
Tocchet - Pros: led an anemic and a dysfunctional Coyotes organization to be somewhat respectable. I mean it can be said that he squeezed every ounce of talent out of that team. Won two Stanley Cups as an assistant with Pittsburgh and was a hell of a player back in the day for the Penguins and Flyers. Tough and hard-nosed coach, who expects the same out of his players.
Cons: in 6 seasons with the Lightning and Coyotes, he only made the postseason once, which amounted to a first round exit.
Boudreau - Pros: He has the second-highest winning percentage in NHL history for a coach who has coached at least 900 games. In 12 full seasons behind the bench, Boudreau has made the playoffs 10 times.
Cons: In those 10 playoff appearance, he never made the Stanley Cup. Also got on Rangers' fans nerves when he said MSG wasn't that loud. Similar to Gallant, he also has somewhat of a short leash despite his successes. Perhaps he rubs ownership/management the wrong way?
Claude Julien - Pros: Been to the Stanley Cup twice with the Bruins. Has a puck-dominant philosophy, which can lead to a lot of offense.
Cons: has health concerns. His most recent stint in Montreal was rather unsuccessful, as PJ can attest to. Hasn't been past the first round since 2013.
Mike Babcock - Pros: He's been a HC since 2002 and with the exception of two seasons has made the playoffs every single (full) season. His teams are very disciplined. Babcock's teams generally focus on skills and puck possession over physical play and toughness. Been to three Stanley Cups.
Cons: many of his players absolutely hate his guts. He can be a real asshole (just ask Mitch Marner). He's essentially a persona non grata.
Bob Hartley - Pros: another highly-winning HC. He's a hard-ass and a disciplinarian (could be a con). Think of Tom Coughlin with ice skates. Coached Chris Drury to a Stanley Cup in Colorado in 2000-2001.
Cons: His most recent stint with Calgary was a bust. Hasn't coached in the NHL since 2016.
Patrick Roy - Pros: HOF goalie. Ex-teammate of Chris Drury.
Cons: only made the playoffs once in 3 years coaching the Avalanche (though he won the Jack Adams for best coach). Made A LOT Of questionable coaching decisions.
And finally,
John Tortorella - Pros: winningest American HC in NHL history. Gets the most out of his team. Had a lot of success with the Rangers. Knows New York and the media. Dolan loves him. Uncle Larry hates him. Won the Stanley Cup.
Cons: can be very hard on young players. Andddddd his reputation precedes him. He can be a reaaaaaaaal prick.
Given these descriptions, Torts sounds like by far and away the best option.
I'm gonna backtrack a bit about what I said earlier about Julien and I'd probably rank it:
1) Gallant
2) Torts
3) Julien
They also may sit tight and see if one of the playoff teams fire their HC. Mike Sullivan perhaps?
is probably going to win Jack Adams (or he should), has a Jack Adams winner ever been fired?
If I were the Rangers of those three options Anakim ranked I think I'd hire Julien. He's AV with a ring and as some of you know a ring means everything.
This is going back a while but wasnt there a post-game
Should be a learning opportunity. Even one of the most successful HC in hockey couldn't win until he had the horses to play a particular style and those young kids grew into the NHL game.
A lot of use were absolutely expecting entirely way too much from Laf/Kakko/Krav during their rookie/soph efforts during a shortened pandemic affected season. Patience.
Greg Carvel of UMass seems to be a popular name on Ranger blogs
Turned UMass from a laughingstock to national champions in 5 years, has a decade's experience as an NHL assistant, still fairly young at 50.
Someone like him seems pretty interesting.
I'm not that concerned about the coaching hire - it's not like the NFL where you need a huge adjustment period. I thought they might hang on to Quinn in case someone better pops loose during the season. I don't see an inspiring set of candidates out there right now.
RE: wow....I have no memory of Dixon Ward on the Rangers
Jamie Lundmark, who was supposed to be the high floor guy next to Pavel Brendl as the high ceiling guy, and in the end neither of them were worth a shit.
Mike Zanier
@MikeZanier
· 14m
Hearing from a friend in New York that @VLHlive head coach Sam Hallam with 3 Championships in the last 7 yrs in the SHL might be interviewed for the vacant @NYRangers job
i know nothing about him
RE: This is going back a while but wasnt there a post-game
Mike Zanier
@MikeZanier
· 14m
Hearing from a friend in New York that @VLHlive head coach Sam Hallam with 3 Championships in the last 7 yrs in the SHL might be interviewed for the vacant @NYRangers job
i know nothing about him
He's always mentioned as the next Euro coach to get a shot at an NHL job.
He coached Drury's nephew with Vaxjo - that could just be a coincidence though
They may have more talent than the other teams, but NY media market plus a competitive division are disincentives. As long as Crosby and Ovechkin are still around and the Islanders are in their window (which is closing unless they can improve their offense) you are competing with Philly for 4th place.
That's just not the way competitive people, successful people... people you want coaching your young men think.
The disincentive is Dolan... that's it. And as bad as he is, at least he does tend to put a lot of green in your pocket before he acts crazy and irrationally.
Also, I'd add that despite the competitiveness in a division of Crosby, Malkin, Ovi et al, the NY Rangers finished just a handful of points out of contention - in a shortened season. A couple additions and some growth from the young players can close that gap pretty quickly.
And to MAB's point, no successful leader takes or declines a job based on their ability to win today. There's always work to be done and a lot can change for us and them between now and the start next seaosn.
Strains sense of fit to think that one NE collegiate coach will be hired to replace the fired NE collegiate coach. Quinn had some positives, but he was out of his depth in bringing a young team to a tier competitive with veteran, tested clubs. Can't see it.
Nor do I see Anak's list of failed or re-tooling re-treads who have 'been there done that' with what is, in my parochial view, kind of a unique set-up: a lot of talent, a lot of pieces on the team and on the come, mold and meld them to take a step up, but he has to fit this situation.
I hope Drury is thinking outside the box here, along the lines of pj's Burrows.
I think it's important that Drury get his new HC on board before buying and selling so the coach has input.
You remember the Parcells quote to Simms regarding Washington “they hate us so much they like us”? I wonder if that applies to Torts and Larry Brooks...
Those along with too many underwhelming performances vs top of the table last two months.
26 is Jamie Lundmark. I had to look up #12 was Dixon Ward. Not sure the guy on the far right.
Link - ( New Window )
You may remember Burrows as the 2011 SCF villain vs Boston - he (allegedly) bit Patrice Bergeron and had a good series otherwise (an OT GW in game 2).
He is one of the up and coming coaches IMO that the question isn't if he'll be a head coach, it's when.
Love the power play creativity and in general players rave about him - when you hear commentary on an assistant coach you know something is different about him.
and I love his story of working his way up from the ECHL. I wonder how many players went that route - you know you're earning your shit when you don't get drafted and wind up a legit NHLer.
I hope MTL keeps him though.
Quote:
so I don't think Knoblauch will be a consideration. I've said it for months, but I Gerard Gallant is by far my #1 choice. He has a proven track record, he helps develop young players and his teams are gritty and hard to play against. Gallant himself was a pain in the fucking ass when he was on the Red Wings. I'm sure Sather will love that.
Other guys I think the Rangers will look at:
Rick Tocchet (ehhhh)
Bruce Boudreau (fuck that fat fuck)
Claude Julien (probably my second choice after Gallant)
Mike Babcock (no thank you)
Bob Hartley (no thank you)
Patrick Roy (no)
Torts (no)
Sounds like you have a good handle on this. Can you elaborate on why you think what you think on these guys? Are there others that you think may be in the mix?
Gallant - Pros: he did the most with the least. He led the Vegas Golden Knights to the Stanley Cup in their inaugural season and led a somewhat pedestrian Panthers team to the best record in their division in 2015. That team had a nice blend of veterans (they had Jagr and Jussi Jokinen) and youngsters (like Barkov, Ekblad, Trochek and Huberdeau) much like what the Rangers have now. He was a tough-ass player in Detroit and that carries over into coaching philosophy.
Cons: he's been fired unceremoniously by two different teams despite his successes. The Panthers literally fired him, kicked him off the bus and made him call his own taxi. There's something there (perhaps an attitude issue?), but I don't think it's ever been concluded what.
Tocchet - Pros: led an anemic and a dysfunctional Coyotes organization to be somewhat respectable. I mean it can be said that he squeezed every ounce of talent out of that team. Won two Stanley Cups as an assistant with Pittsburgh and was a hell of a player back in the day for the Penguins and Flyers. Tough and hard-nosed coach, who expects the same out of his players.
Cons: in 6 seasons with the Lightning and Coyotes, he only made the postseason once, which amounted to a first round exit.
Boudreau - Pros: He has the second-highest winning percentage in NHL history for a coach who has coached at least 900 games. In 12 full seasons behind the bench, Boudreau has made the playoffs 10 times.
Cons: In those 10 playoff appearance, he never made the Stanley Cup. Also got on Rangers' fans nerves when he said MSG wasn't that loud. Similar to Gallant, he also has somewhat of a short leash despite his successes. Perhaps he rubs ownership/management the wrong way?
Claude Julien - Pros: Been to the Stanley Cup twice with the Bruins. Has a puck-dominant philosophy, which can lead to a lot of offense.
Cons: has health concerns. His most recent stint in Montreal was rather unsuccessful, as PJ can attest to. Hasn't been past the first round since 2013.
Mike Babcock - Pros: He's been a HC since 2002 and with the exception of two seasons has made the playoffs every single (full) season. His teams are very disciplined. Babcock's teams generally focus on skills and puck possession over physical play and toughness. Been to three Stanley Cups.
Cons: many of his players absolutely hate his guts. He can be a real asshole (just ask Mitch Marner). He's essentially a persona non grata.
Bob Hartley - Pros: another highly-winning HC. He's a hard-ass and a disciplinarian (could be a con). Think of Tom Coughlin with ice skates. Coached Chris Drury to a Stanley Cup in Colorado in 2000-2001.
Cons: His most recent stint with Calgary was a bust. Hasn't coached in the NHL since 2016.
Patrick Roy - Pros: HOF goalie. Ex-teammate of Chris Drury.
Cons: only made the playoffs once in 3 years coaching the Avalanche (though he won the Jack Adams for best coach). Made A LOT Of questionable coaching decisions.
And finally,
John Tortorella - Pros: winningest American HC in NHL history. Gets the most out of his team. Had a lot of success with the Rangers. Knows New York and the media. Dolan loves him. Uncle Larry hates him. Won the Stanley Cup.
Cons: can be very hard on young players. Andddddd his reputation precedes him. He can be a reaaaaaaaal prick.
Quote:
In comment 15261967 Anakim said:
Quote:
so I don't think Knoblauch will be a consideration. I've said it for months, but I Gerard Gallant is by far my #1 choice. He has a proven track record, he helps develop young players and his teams are gritty and hard to play against. Gallant himself was a pain in the fucking ass when he was on the Red Wings. I'm sure Sather will love that.
Other guys I think the Rangers will look at:
Rick Tocchet (ehhhh)
Bruce Boudreau (fuck that fat fuck)
Claude Julien (probably my second choice after Gallant)
Mike Babcock (no thank you)
Bob Hartley (no thank you)
Patrick Roy (no)
Torts (no)
Sounds like you have a good handle on this. Can you elaborate on why you think what you think on these guys? Are there others that you think may be in the mix?
Gallant - Pros: he did the most with the least. He led the Vegas Golden Knights to the Stanley Cup in their inaugural season and led a somewhat pedestrian Panthers team to the best record in their division in 2015. That team had a nice blend of veterans (they had Jagr and Jussi Jokinen) and youngsters (like Barkov, Ekblad, Trochek and Huberdeau) much like what the Rangers have now. He was a tough-ass player in Detroit and that carries over into coaching philosophy.
Cons: he's been fired unceremoniously by two different teams despite his successes. The Panthers literally fired him, kicked him off the bus and made him call his own taxi. There's something there (perhaps an attitude issue?), but I don't think it's ever been concluded what.
Tocchet - Pros: led an anemic and a dysfunctional Coyotes organization to be somewhat respectable. I mean it can be said that he squeezed every ounce of talent out of that team. Won two Stanley Cups as an assistant with Pittsburgh and was a hell of a player back in the day for the Penguins and Flyers. Tough and hard-nosed coach, who expects the same out of his players.
Cons: in 6 seasons with the Lightning and Coyotes, he only made the postseason once, which amounted to a first round exit.
Boudreau - Pros: He has the second-highest winning percentage in NHL history for a coach who has coached at least 900 games. In 12 full seasons behind the bench, Boudreau has made the playoffs 10 times.
Cons: In those 10 playoff appearance, he never made the Stanley Cup. Also got on Rangers' fans nerves when he said MSG wasn't that loud. Similar to Gallant, he also has somewhat of a short leash despite his successes. Perhaps he rubs ownership/management the wrong way?
Claude Julien - Pros: Been to the Stanley Cup twice with the Bruins. Has a puck-dominant philosophy, which can lead to a lot of offense.
Cons: has health concerns. His most recent stint in Montreal was rather unsuccessful, as PJ can attest to. Hasn't been past the first round since 2013.
Mike Babcock - Pros: He's been a HC since 2002 and with the exception of two seasons has made the playoffs every single (full) season. His teams are very disciplined. Babcock's teams generally focus on skills and puck possession over physical play and toughness. Been to three Stanley Cups.
Cons: many of his players absolutely hate his guts. He can be a real asshole (just ask Mitch Marner). He's essentially a persona non grata.
Bob Hartley - Pros: another highly-winning HC. He's a hard-ass and a disciplinarian (could be a con). Think of Tom Coughlin with ice skates. Coached Chris Drury to a Stanley Cup in Colorado in 2000-2001.
Cons: His most recent stint with Calgary was a bust. Hasn't coached in the NHL since 2016.
Patrick Roy - Pros: HOF goalie. Ex-teammate of Chris Drury.
Cons: only made the playoffs once in 3 years coaching the Avalanche (though he won the Jack Adams for best coach). Made A LOT Of questionable coaching decisions.
And finally,
John Tortorella - Pros: winningest American HC in NHL history. Gets the most out of his team. Had a lot of success with the Rangers. Knows New York and the media. Dolan loves him. Uncle Larry hates him. Won the Stanley Cup.
Cons: can be very hard on young players. Andddddd his reputation precedes him. He can be a reaaaaaaaal prick.
Given these descriptions, Torts sounds like by far and away the best option.
Quote:
In comment 15261985 NYG22 said:
Quote:
In comment 15261967 Anakim said:
Quote:
so I don't think Knoblauch will be a consideration. I've said it for months, but I Gerard Gallant is by far my #1 choice. He has a proven track record, he helps develop young players and his teams are gritty and hard to play against. Gallant himself was a pain in the fucking ass when he was on the Red Wings. I'm sure Sather will love that.
Other guys I think the Rangers will look at:
Rick Tocchet (ehhhh)
Bruce Boudreau (fuck that fat fuck)
Claude Julien (probably my second choice after Gallant)
Mike Babcock (no thank you)
Bob Hartley (no thank you)
Patrick Roy (no)
Torts (no)
Sounds like you have a good handle on this. Can you elaborate on why you think what you think on these guys? Are there others that you think may be in the mix?
Gallant - Pros: he did the most with the least. He led the Vegas Golden Knights to the Stanley Cup in their inaugural season and led a somewhat pedestrian Panthers team to the best record in their division in 2015. That team had a nice blend of veterans (they had Jagr and Jussi Jokinen) and youngsters (like Barkov, Ekblad, Trochek and Huberdeau) much like what the Rangers have now. He was a tough-ass player in Detroit and that carries over into coaching philosophy.
Cons: he's been fired unceremoniously by two different teams despite his successes. The Panthers literally fired him, kicked him off the bus and made him call his own taxi. There's something there (perhaps an attitude issue?), but I don't think it's ever been concluded what.
Tocchet - Pros: led an anemic and a dysfunctional Coyotes organization to be somewhat respectable. I mean it can be said that he squeezed every ounce of talent out of that team. Won two Stanley Cups as an assistant with Pittsburgh and was a hell of a player back in the day for the Penguins and Flyers. Tough and hard-nosed coach, who expects the same out of his players.
Cons: in 6 seasons with the Lightning and Coyotes, he only made the postseason once, which amounted to a first round exit.
Boudreau - Pros: He has the second-highest winning percentage in NHL history for a coach who has coached at least 900 games. In 12 full seasons behind the bench, Boudreau has made the playoffs 10 times.
Cons: In those 10 playoff appearance, he never made the Stanley Cup. Also got on Rangers' fans nerves when he said MSG wasn't that loud. Similar to Gallant, he also has somewhat of a short leash despite his successes. Perhaps he rubs ownership/management the wrong way?
Claude Julien - Pros: Been to the Stanley Cup twice with the Bruins. Has a puck-dominant philosophy, which can lead to a lot of offense.
Cons: has health concerns. His most recent stint in Montreal was rather unsuccessful, as PJ can attest to. Hasn't been past the first round since 2013.
Mike Babcock - Pros: He's been a HC since 2002 and with the exception of two seasons has made the playoffs every single (full) season. His teams are very disciplined. Babcock's teams generally focus on skills and puck possession over physical play and toughness. Been to three Stanley Cups.
Cons: many of his players absolutely hate his guts. He can be a real asshole (just ask Mitch Marner). He's essentially a persona non grata.
Bob Hartley - Pros: another highly-winning HC. He's a hard-ass and a disciplinarian (could be a con). Think of Tom Coughlin with ice skates. Coached Chris Drury to a Stanley Cup in Colorado in 2000-2001.
Cons: His most recent stint with Calgary was a bust. Hasn't coached in the NHL since 2016.
Patrick Roy - Pros: HOF goalie. Ex-teammate of Chris Drury.
Cons: only made the playoffs once in 3 years coaching the Avalanche (though he won the Jack Adams for best coach). Made A LOT Of questionable coaching decisions.
And finally,
John Tortorella - Pros: winningest American HC in NHL history. Gets the most out of his team. Had a lot of success with the Rangers. Knows New York and the media. Dolan loves him. Uncle Larry hates him. Won the Stanley Cup.
Cons: can be very hard on young players. Andddddd his reputation precedes him. He can be a reaaaaaaaal prick.
Given these descriptions, Torts sounds like by far and away the best option.
I'm gonna backtrack a bit about what I said earlier about Julien and I'd probably rank it:
1) Gallant
2) Torts
3) Julien
They also may sit tight and see if one of the playoff teams fire their HC. Mike Sullivan perhaps?
If I were the Rangers of those three options Anakim ranked I think I'd hire Julien. He's AV with a ring and as some of you know a ring means everything.
More than one ;)
A lot of use were absolutely expecting entirely way too much from Laf/Kakko/Krav during their rookie/soph efforts during a shortened pandemic affected season. Patience.
Quote:
verbal brawl between Torts and Larry Brooks that went viral.
More than one ;)
On occasion I’ve gotten sucked into watching YouTube clips of Torts trashing reporters. Lot of unintentional comedy
Thanks for the nightmares.
Stop coaching, Pat!
Someone like him seems pretty interesting.
I'm not that concerned about the coaching hire - it's not like the NFL where you need a huge adjustment period. I thought they might hang on to Quinn in case someone better pops loose during the season. I don't see an inspiring set of candidates out there right now.
And then came Hugh Jessiman
Mike Zanier
@MikeZanier
· 14m
Hearing from a friend in New York that @VLHlive head coach Sam Hallam with 3 Championships in the last 7 yrs in the SHL might be interviewed for the vacant @NYRangers job
i know nothing about him
Torts verbally brawls with everyone. I'd support the move to bring him back just for the sole entertainment of it all. Plus, he's a solid HC.
Mike Zanier
@MikeZanier
· 14m
Hearing from a friend in New York that @VLHlive head coach Sam Hallam with 3 Championships in the last 7 yrs in the SHL might be interviewed for the vacant @NYRangers job
i know nothing about him
He's always mentioned as the next Euro coach to get a shot at an NHL job.
He coached Drury's nephew with Vaxjo - that could just be a coincidence though
Link - ( New Window )
Good stuff! I don't particularly want him back here, but he is entertaining.
They may have more talent than the other teams, but NY media market plus a competitive division are disincentives. As long as Crosby and Ovechkin are still around and the Islanders are in their window (which is closing unless they can improve their offense) you are competing with Philly for 4th place.
That's just not the way competitive people, successful people... people you want coaching your young men think.
The disincentive is Dolan... that's it. And as bad as he is, at least he does tend to put a lot of green in your pocket before he acts crazy and irrationally.
And to MAB's point, no successful leader takes or declines a job based on their ability to win today. There's always work to be done and a lot can change for us and them between now and the start next seaosn.
Nor do I see Anak's list of failed or re-tooling re-treads who have 'been there done that' with what is, in my parochial view, kind of a unique set-up: a lot of talent, a lot of pieces on the team and on the come, mold and meld them to take a step up, but he has to fit this situation.
I hope Drury is thinking outside the box here, along the lines of pj's Burrows.
I think it's important that Drury get his new HC on board before buying and selling so the coach has input.
You remember the Parcells quote to Simms regarding Washington “they hate us so much they like us”? I wonder if that applies to Torts and Larry Brooks...