Joel Quenneville and John Tortorella.
Take either one and you have the character who SHOULD be the next Rangers coach. And let’s not beat around the bush about this.
Why Quenneville?
Because of his quality, resume and experience winning Stanley Cups. He was reinstated last July. He’s paid his dues and deserves another chance. If Stan Bowman could be GM of the Oilers, the Rangers deserve THE BEST and Q should be hired by a gutsy Jim Dolan. Joel deserves it!
Why Tortorella?
Because he’s made for a New York return and knows – and loves – The Big Apple scene. This Fat Cat-Country club team needs the strongest and smartest NY savvy guy to shape it up. There are certain things in life that can be dubbed “a natural.” Torts behind the bench would be oh-so-sweet. Too perfect for further words.
There is however a BIG problem. MSG boss Jim Dolan is letting his terribly-failed GM Chris Drury pick Peter Laviolette’s successor.
Drury is so far over his head, he’s reached the sea bed. The guy is oh-for-three in picking coaches and he’s gonna be picking again. Oy-vay!
If there were 99 apples in a basket, Drury would pick the lone rotten one.
Which means The Maven is compelled to examine other candidates if neither Q nor Torts is picked. Fair enough; here goes – with some major help via my super scout, Jess Rubenstein.
THE UNKNOWN ACES: Jaime Kompon, Panthers assistant and Jeff Halpern, Lightning aide; Jeff Daniels in Carolina. Young, yet experienced and very worthy of consideration.
COLLEGE ACES: I’d grab Jay Pandolfo, my old pal from Devils’ days, in a Beantown minute from Boston U. Jay was thinking like a coach even when playing. David Carle’s success at Denver has him in focus.
OTHER NHL GUYS: Rick Tocchet would be a goodie if he wants to come east. Bruce Boudreau is another proven quality along with Jack Capuano, who has a ton of experience. If Drury wants a Ranger, promote Michael Peca, best of the assistants.
PRAY that Drury does not settle for a lemon! P.S. DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME CANDIDATE:
MIKE SULLIVAN: It beats me why he gets attention. Every time I turn around Pitt has missed another playoff berth even with Crosby and Malkin.