More Changes On Broadway

When they said there was going to be a rebuild on Broadway, they weren't kidding. Trying to win in New York isn't an easy thing, just ask David Quinn. Three years after being hired to take over a rebuilding franchise, Quinn has been relieved of his duties as head coach, the team announced this morning. The search has begun immediately for his replacement. The only coach from Quinn's staff that kept his job was goalie coach Benoit Allire

This announcement was made a few days after firing of General Manager Jeff Gorton and President John Davidson. Quiin missed the playoffs in two of the three years he was bench boss. The only year he made it was last year, and it resulted in a three game sweep in the qualifying round against the Hurricanes. Quinn went 96-87-25 in three seasons as Rangers coach. He had some good young pieces to work with along with some star veterans. At the end of the day, he just wasn't able to get the right mix working well together to take the blueshirts to the next level.

Coaching anywhere is a tough job, but in New York its even harder. When you have the win now attitude that we New Yorkers do, it adds just another layer of things for coaches to have to deal with. And its not all on the coaches, if the players don't produce. We say that all the time. You can't get rid of the players, so somebody has to take the fall. Usually that lands on the head of the coaches. Quinn did what he could, but it wasn't enough. So now the question becomes, who's next behind the bench?

According to various reports, there are a few early candidates. Names like Gerard Gallant, Rick Tocchet, Bob Hartley, John Tortorella, Mike Babcock and Patrick Roy have been tossed around already to take over behind the Rangers bench. Of those listed, I think Tortorella would be the least likely fit. We already went through this song and dance with him once on Broadway. Four and a half years and he was dismissed. Yes I do realize that it was a different group back then, but still I don't think Torts coaching style has changed that much. If it didn't work well then it might not work that well now.

Now we just wait and see. Whoever takes over running this franchise, in both the front office and behind the bench is going to have its hands full that's for sure.