Blueshirt Boggle

Same Old Story

SATURDAY UPDATE: Game preview and today's links at Blueshirt Bulletin+ -- regular subscribers click here to read it (monthly users click here).

New coach or not, the result is the same.

Another third period burn out continues to put the Rangers behind the eight ball in the Eastern Conference standings.

Despite an overall better effort by the Blueshirts, New York failed to maintain a lead in the third period and fell to 7th place, only one point out of the playoff picture.

It is clear that the Rangers have been playing with more pace and have been putting forth a good effort, but at this point in the season, there is no such thing as a moral victory.

Over on BB+, we broke down last night's contest with player reaction.

But the bigger question goes beyond just one game, what do the Rangers do by the trade deadline?

Sean Avery is not a guarantee and which roster player sits if he is acquired?

Do the Rangers sit pat and hope that their franchise goalie gets them into the playoffs? Should they focus on the playoffs or try and eliminate some veterans and rebuild in the of-fseason?

There isn't a clear scenario.

Reading around, there seems to be two frames of thought:
1) Make a big trade with a top player despite the cost
2) Leave the roster alone and don't sacrifice the youth for the sake of this season

Of course, this is not anything earth shattering. Almost all teams have this battle which is what makes the trade deadline so intriguing. Who goes in what direction?

So, with the deadline this Wednesday, we will be evaluating a few options that may be available for the Rangers.

Stay tuned over the next couple days as we see who could pull the Rangers out of this funk and into the playoffs...

Tortorella Not Unhappy Despite Second Straight Loss

John Tortorella was happy with the way his team played last night depsite their loss. "I thought we did some really good things," he said. "Our pressure was outstanding. Other than for a few minutes, we controlled the game. Other than that we played a hell of a game. We just can't score a goddamn goal, that's all. We just can't finish. We can't cut the line so fine here and be 1-0 again. We have to get that second goal so that type of situation doesn't hurt you. We're going to keep at it, keep banging at the team concept. I am looking forward to keep growing with the team because they've picked up on how we want to play."

Read our analysis of last night's 2-1 Garden loss in Tortorella's home debut, as well as our compilation of extensive quotes from Tortorella, Lundqvist, Dubinsky, Redden, and Voros plus today's media links (including news on Sean Avery) at Blueshirt Bulletin+ -- click here for the quotes if you subscribe to Blueshirt Bulletin and have registered for Blueshirt Bulletin+ access, and here of the game analysis (monthly BB+ users click here for the quotes and here for the analysis). Subscribers who need help accessing BB+ should write to us at [email protected]. E-mail us or click here to learn how to subscribe to the magazine and get quick access to BB+ -- you can be up and running in the time it takes to write an E-mail message if you subscribe via PayPal or credit card.

The February issue of Blueshirt Bulletin is now available in digital format via Zinio. You can read a single issue or take out an online subscription there. You can read it within your browser or you can download it and read it offline. Click here to subscribe (there is a link on that page for single copies). You can test drive the Zinio reader and read a sampling of the print edition while there. Blueshirt Bulletin+ access comes with all Zinio purchases -- single issue buyers will get access for one month from today, full year subscribers will get access for the duration of your subscription term. While Zinio handles all the logistics for taking out a subscription and delivering each copy, you must contact us directly about accessing BB+ -- E-mail your Zinio receipt to [email protected] to get access instructions.

Rangers Show Torts Exactly What He's In For

John Tortorella should consider himself lucky. In his first game as Ranger coach, he got to see who his Rangers really are, not an illusion of the type that sometimes accompanies a coaching change. Now he knows what he's up against -- a team that can skate circles around the opposition, but not for sixty minutes, and with paltry results. He got to see the team we've seen all season, one that can go one period without many meaningful scoring chances, a second period without being able to finish enough of their many meaningful scoring chances, and a third period in which they apparently are so full of themselves after two good periods that they sit back and blow the lead.

Read the rest of our report on what the Rangers showed their new coach in his first game, as well as access today's extensive set of media links, at Blueshirt Bulletin+ -- click here if you subscribe to Blueshirt Bulletin and have registered for Blueshirt Bulletin+ access (monthly BB+ users click here). Subscribers who need help accessing BB+ should write to us at [email protected]. E-mail us or click here to learn how to subscribe to the magazine and get quick access to BB+ -- you can be up and running in the time it takes to write an E-mail message if you subscribe via PayPal or credit card.

The February issue of Blueshirt Bulletin is now available in digital format via Zinio. You can read a single issue or take out an online subscription there. You can read it within your browser or you can download it and read it offline. Click here to subscribe (there is a link on that page for single copies). You can test drive the Zinio reader and read a sampling of the print edition while there. Blueshirt Bulletin+ access comes with all Zinio purchases -- single issue buyers will get access for one month from today, full year subscribers will get access for the duration of your subscription term. While Zinio handles all the logistics for taking out a subscription and delivering each copy, you must contact us directly about accessing BB+ -- E-mail your Zinio receipt to [email protected] to get access instructions.

Pre-game: Rangers at Toronto, 7:30 p.m.

In preparation for Game 1 under the new regime, here's what we know to expect:

• A more up-tempo and aggressive style
• More ice time for the top lines
• Less ice time for the fourth line
• More puck movement from the defense
• More opportunities against Henrik Lundqvist

In typical John Tortorella fashion, the Rangers get going with his new system tonight, a mere 24 hours or so after learning from it. Don't get Tortorella mistaken, however, he knows that he can't build Rome in a day and needs time to evaluate this group.

The lines will be as follows:

Naslund-Gomez-Zherdev
Dubinsky-Drury-Callahan
Dawes-Korpikoski-Prucha
Sjostrom-Betts-Orr

I believe this is the strongest lineup that the Rangers can field at this point. It should open up some offensive opportunity with Zherdev and Gomez while providing a hard-nosed second line with offensive potential.

The third line should also be able to contribute offensively, particularly if they are kept together long enough to jell. If Tortorella keeps the lines together consistently, this will be a major change from the previous coaching staff.

Chemistry was one component that the Rangers have struggled with since the lockout. Who works with who? If these combinations work, Tortorella looks like a genius. If they don't and he refuses to change them, he is no better than Tom Renney.

Another interesting change is on defense, which Interim Assistant Coach Jim Schoenfeld is now handling. The pairings will be as follows:
Rozsival - Redden
Staal - Girardi
Kalinin - Reitz

It almost seems that the coaches are taking the EA Sports NHL '09 approach, take the players with the highest rating and front load them.

One positive about this is accountabliity, something the team has lacked this season. Your million dollar players have to perform and will be given the ice time to do so. A negative, however, is that ability and money do not necessarily mean that players will mesh.

The Staal and Girardi pairing will be very exciting to see. Reitz will most likely rotate with Kalinin once Paul Mara comes back, perhaps on the weekend.

Redden and Rozsival are the x-factor. If it works, the Rangers will have an offensive pairing that could have a tremendous impact, particularly on the power play. Consider also that both have struggled mightily this season and could perhaps lift each other's games.

Or this could end up in more defensive zone blunders and missed coverages.

But that's why we watch.

More to come tonight...

Follow Blueshirt Bulletin on Twitter! for in-game notes, observations, pre-game and post-game thoughts, and breaking news...

LW Mark Bell acquired on re-entry waivers

The Rangers announced today that former Toronto Maple Leafs left winger Mark Bell has been picked up on re-entry waivers. It appears he will be sent to Hartford.

In typical GM Glen Sather fashion, Bell has a troubled past.

In a similar situation to Theo Fleury and Sean Avery, Bell was suspended indefinitely in September 2007 and placed into the NHL Substance Abuse Program.

He was re-instated the following month, but suffered a series orbital bone fracture that caused him to miss over 30 games.

In October, he was assigned to Toronto's AHL affiliate where he has remained until today. The large, 28 year-old plays a bruising game with a talented upside and could be an insurance policy if the Rangers part ways with Aaron Voros.

This could also signal the return of Avery.

More as it's available and the pregame details...

Twittering on Blueshirt

For the latest updates, in-game commentary, and notes, follow Blueshirt Bulletin on Twitter! Catch my game preview this afternoon as well as continued fallout from new Head Coach John Tortorella's first 48 hours on BB+!

Torts' Time Short to Turn Team Around

WEDNESDAY UPDATE: Things were lively at the practice rink yesterday, and not just because of the logo law (which had been wildly exaggerated by a press corps looking for an apt symbol of the coaching change). The full story along with today's links are at Blueshirt Bulletin+ -- click here to read it (monthly BB+ users click here).

With just 21 games left to turn around a team that has gone 2-7-3 in the last twelve, new head coach John Tortorella doesn't have much time to figure out what he has to work with and what he wants to do with it. So his plan is to let his best players do what they do best and slowly bring them up to speed. "How much do we give them in such a short period of time?" he asked rhetorically after his first practice. "I don't want to confuse them. I haven't seen them play that much. I'm trying to figure out who they are. I'm not going to sit here and lie to you and tell you I know what they're about -- I don't. I know how I want them to play. I need to be cognizant of what you have as personnel -- can they play your style? After one practice, I don't have a clue. We have three games in four nights and that's where we'll see what they're about and how they grasp some of the little things we're going to change."

To read more of what John Tortorella thinks he needs to do to get the Rangers going, go to Blueshirt Bulletin+ -- click here if you subscribe to Blueshirt Bulletin and have registered for Blueshirt Bulletin+ access (monthly BB+ users click here). You can also read our earlier summary after this morning's press conference as well as see today's compilation of links -- click here (monthly users click here). Subscribers who need help accessing BB+ should write to us at [email protected]. E-mail us or click here to learn how to subscribe to the magazine and get quick access to BB+ -- you can be up and running in the time it takes to write an E-mail message if you subscribe via PayPal or credit card.

The February issue of Blueshirt Bulletin is now available in digital format via Zinio. You can read a single issue or take out an online subscription there. You can read it within your browser or you can download it and read it offline. Click here to subscribe (there is a link on that page for single copies). You can test drive the Zinio reader and read a sampling of the print edition while there. Blueshirt Bulletin+ access comes with all Zinio purchases -- single issue buyers will get access for one month from today, full year subscribers will get access for the duration of your subscription term. While Zinio handles all the logistics for taking out a subscription and delivering each copy, you must contact us directly about accessing BB+ -- E-mail your Zinio receipt to [email protected] to get access instructions.

Why Sather Made His Move

Glen Sather has put himself squarely on the line by switching from the even-tempered defensive-minded Tom Renney to the fiery, attack-first John Tortorella in an attempt to save the team that he thought he shaped in the latter image over the past two summers. "I still think we have a team that has played well and we can get back to that," he said this evening after announcing the coaching change via conference call. "We were a fast, puck possession team and we got away from that. Moving forward I'd like to think we have a chance to return to that."

To read Sather's explanation of why now, why Torts, and what about Sean Avery, the trade deadline, and trading young players, go to Blueshirt Bulletin+ -- click here if you subscribe to Blueshirt Bulletin and have registered for Blueshirt Bulletin+ access (monthly BB+ users click here). You can also read our take from this morning about Renney's dismissal -- click here (monthly users click here). Subscribers who need help accessing BB+ should write to us at [email protected]. E-mail us or click here to learn how to subscribe to the magazine and get quick access to BB+ -- you can be up and running in the time it takes to write an E-mail message if you subscribe via PayPal or credit card.

The February issue of Blueshirt Bulletin is now available in digital format via Zinio. You can read a single issue or take out an online subscription there. You can read it within your browser or you can download it and read it offline. Click here to subscribe (there is a link on that page for single copies). You can test drive the Zinio reader and read a sampling of the print edition while there. Blueshirt Bulletin+ access comes with all Zinio purchases -- single issue buyers will get access for one month from today, full year subscribers will get access for the duration of your subscription term. While Zinio handles all the logistics for taking out a subscription and delivering each copy, you must contact us directly about accessing BB+ -- E-mail your Zinio receipt to [email protected] to get access instructions.

Re-Torts: John Tortorella to be next Rangers Head Coach

According to multiple sources, former Tampa Bay Lightning Head Coach John Tortorella is set to be the next Head Coach of the New York Rangers. The contract is reportedly for a multi-year deal.

The announcement is said to be made official once the Rangers and Lightning agree on compensation as Tortorella is still under contract by Tampa Bay despite being fired in the off-season.

Tortorella comes back to New York where he was an Assistant Coach from 1999 - 2000 under John Muckler and served as the team's Interim Head Coach for the remainder of that season before joining the Lightning in the off-season.

His aggressive Keenan-esque style made him successful in winning the Jack Adams Award and Stanley Cup in 2003 - 2004, but many criticized his extreme nature as the downfall of the Lightning following their championship victory.

The embattled coach had run-ins with the media as well, most notably NY Post columnist Larry Brooks during the 2007 playoffs.

His personality, while controversial, is a significant change from the calculated and mild-mannered Tom Renney. This could serve as the shakeup this group needs.

Once the announcement is officially made, GM Glen Sather will hold a teleconference. Stay tuned for additional details as they unfold...

 

Breaking News: Head Coach Tom Renney Fired

According to various sources, Head Coach Tom Renney has been fired. Renney and Assistant Perry Pearn were let go while Assistant Mike Pelino and Benoit Allaire were retained.

With around 20 games remaining in the season, this is a bit of a surprising move. Not to say that the Rangers didn't need a change at the helm, as they did, but what can be changed so late in the season?

The system will not change so late, which is most likely why Pelino was retained. What needs to change is the attitude and who could bring that to this squad?

Here are a few potential candidates:

Mike Pelino - Pelino has been a favorite of the players and was the only coach retained from the staff. Mike has worked the penalty kill and offense and may thrive with the ability to take the reigns. He is, however, a player's coach and will not necessarily be the motivator this group needs.

Jim Schoenfeld - Schoenfeld is the most likely choice next to Pelino because of his connection with the team as an executive and his former coaching history. He is less of a player's coach than Pelino, but still not a loud locker room presence.

Mark Messier - I am going out on a limb here, but could this be the beginning of the changing of the guard? Now that Messier, Leetch, Richter, and Graves are retired, couldn't you see them beginning to take over the organization? And what better motivator than "The Captain?"

John Tortorella - The polar opposite of Renney. He is a strong willed individual that doesn't accept slack in play. Certainly not a player's coach, "Torts" demands respect and has always longed to return to the Big Apple.

I have to admit I am disappointed. Since the lockout, I have been impressed by Renney's thoughtful and professional approach to his position. He was also very accessible to the media and was clearly a very prepared coach.

In the NHL, no coaching job is safe, but I would have hoped that Renney received a little more time and a more cohesive cast to work with.

Wherever he takes the next step in his career, I am sure he will be successful.

UPDATE: To hear about how Renney sunk the final nail into his own coffin, see Blueshirt Bulletin+ -- click here for our story, with quotes from Renney, Drury, and Lundqvist (BB+ monthly users click here).