New Leading Man On Broadway

Being a head coach in any sport isn't an easy task. Having to do so in the city of New York is even tougher. You understand why when you look at how harsh the media and fan bases of the teams in this area can be. Trying to win in New York is just as tough. But the Rangers have handed the reigns of that job over to new bench boss Gerard Gallant.He's the 36th head coach in the history of the franchise.

Gallant could be the right man for this job., The 52 year old veteran coach brings plenty of coaching, and playing, experience to the table. He played eleven years in the league between Detroit and Tampa, before moving into the coaching game.Retired from his playing days in 1996, came back to the NHL in 2003-04 as head coach in Columbus. Gallant was the Jackets bench boss for three years, missing the playoffs each time before being fired early into season three. He then went to Florida and guided the Panthers to one playoff appearance in three years before getting dismissed. He then lead the expansion Vegas Golden Knights to back to back playoff appearance before being let go again midway through last season.

Gallant seemed to be the Blueshirts primary choice from the get go to be the man behind their bench. Gallant was able to get two expansion teams going in both Columbus and Vegas. Oh and in between he managed to be able to get the Florida Panthers turning around and going in the right direction while he was there. He built the Golden Knights up, and with the young team that the Rangers have, he can work the same magic here.

He knows how to build up young talent, the run in Vegas is proof of that. So is his turn around rate with the Panthers as well. There's plenty of young talent and a good mix of veterans for him to get to gel together on Broadway. And Gallant could be just the guy to be able to do it.