How The Islanders Affect The Rangers' Future
The Rangers and Islanders have one thing in common. They both missed the playoffs.
They both also are in the process of renovation on all counts. What's going to be interesting is how rapidly each franchise can lift itself back to respectability.
Both have made moves in significant areas.
MANAGEMENT: The Rangers renewed Chris Drury's managerial pact while firing coach Peter Laviolette. Drury's power automatically is enhanced because of his tight relationship with owner Jim Dolan.
A Sweet 17 Thoughts About What Rangers Fans Should Know About The Playoffs 1. The most unheralded hero so far in the playoffs almost was a Rangers coach. Edmonton bench boss Kris Knoblauch has his Oilers hellbent for a leap into the Cup Final with Dallas now on the ropes.
The Islanders rejection of Lou Lamoriello and subsequent hiring of Darche was a well-thought out move. All hockey people we know consider it a wise move to put the franchise back on track. But it remains to be seen whether Darche is as competent as his clippings and colleagues believe that he is.
COACHES: Drury not only fired Laviolette but also dumped assistant coach Phil Housley. Michael Peca left the Rangers to work for the Black Hawks.Drury is in the process of finding replacements before the Draft takes place.
The Islanders remain uncertain about head coach Patrick Roy. Right now, the betting is that Darche will retain his fellow francophone but likely will drop two assistant coaches, John MacLean and Tommy Albelin, both Lamoriello hires. Assuming that Roy is retained – still not a sure thing – Patrick likely will add aides with whom he's familiar, most likely from the Quebec Major Junior League.
At the moment, Darche's decision on Roy or not to Roy will be pivotal in terms of the club's direction. Based on his performance last season in the most unfortunate circumstances of injury after injury, Roy deserves another chance. The Maven will be stunned if it goes any other way.
MARKETING: The Rangers upcoming 100th anniversary will be accompanied by the traditional MSG pomp and circumstance. If the ice product is not up to par it won't matter as much because of various sideshows being planned.
Not surprisingly, Drury will attempt to sign at least one marquee player.
Expect some sort of MSG letter to fans that will celebrate the anniversary while simultaneously emphasizing the hockey club's rejuvenation under Sullivan.
Sam Rosen's play-by-play replacement Kenny Albert already is a huge plus, thanks to his renown as the club's radio voice not to mention his network celebrity.
On the Islanders side, Lou Lamoriello did a noble job in many ways and may still be retained as an aide to assist Drache's acclimatization. But expect a loosening of the Lamoriello laws such as players forbidden to have facial hair.
The personal management-to-fan marketing has begun with Drache on the phone with season ticket-holders – a smart move if there ever was one.
On the media side, the club has scrapped its long-standing – and very popular radio play-by-play for tv simulcasts.
Another major plus has been co-owner Jon Ledecky's genuine – endless – outreach to fans like no other owner in major league sports. That will continue as long as Ledecky is around.
As always the best that could happen in the case of each franchise is having a winning team. Rangers Stanley Cup (1994)-winning GM Neil Smith put it well: "Winning cures everything!"
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