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“I tell you right now — there will be some bumps” – John Tortorella

When thinking of the NY Rangers and the on-goings at the club these days, you can’t help but think of, and be reminded of, that awkward kid in the early teens that suddenly; from being a shy, reticent kid, unexpectedly turns up at school with spiked hair and a new in-your-face attitude to accompany the outward image transformation. Yet, you know, below the hairdo and whatever /gothic/punk/indie/ style that happens to be in fashion at the moment and accompanies the makeover; beneath this polished shell is still that self-conscious little kid that gets pushed around a lot by the big bad bullies.

Self-confidence is at a premium when it comes to the New York Rangers these days. Especially when it comes to scoring goals and picking up points, which of course is at the very core of the fundamental nature of the professional game.

Appointing John Tortorella, after the cautious Tom Renney, is a desperate move to try and transform the team’s fortunes on the ice and make the playoffs – despite the recent abysmal form. The Rangers want a new image; a less hesitant defensive and a more aggressive offensive style. It may work, it may not. Either way; New York is in for a bumpy ride with the emotionally involved and expressive Tortorella behind the bench. There will be no yawning when he’s around and the players will quickly find out that times have changed: “They are going to be held accountable,” John promises.

While the Rangers’ fans may be delighted to get a coach that blends so effortlessly in to a big city mind-set and the New Yorker mode; they must also be aware that if Rome wasn’t built in a day – neither was what once went under the name of New Amsterdam. He’ll need some time to evaluate his players, find what makes them tick and push those buttons and get them firing on all cylinders – before the playoffs disappears in the rearview mirror.

“There may be some conflict along the way, but I don’t think we should be afraid of conflict” – John Tortorella

John is a restive character and one that certainly isn’t afraid of heated altercations and clashes of personality. It can get him in trouble, and at times seemingly losing control of the dressing room, but it can equally egg on and lift players to play a more adrenalin fueled brand of hockey. Without a doubt this is the kind of play that Tortorella is accustomed to and prefers to employ, as he’s also quick to affirm: "I have always liked the pressure game so we are going to try to pressure and we’ll see how our guys can handle it".

A criticism that sometimes is thrown in Tortorella’s direction, with some sense of accuracy it must be said, is that he is a somewhat one-dimensional coach. There isn’t much of a B-plan always; or a different path to success with John. It’s his way – or the highway. Or at least that’s how it used to be. Maybe he has gained some wisdom from last season’s failure with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He has definitely had some time to dwell on that letdown anyway.

Certainly it seems to be what he is alluding to when acknowledging that his preferred tactic doesn’t work for all teams; a lesson he learned the hard way by his own admission: “I have to be careful because I made a major mistake last year with our team in Tampa where I was too aggressive and our ‘D’ couldn’t handle it and it cost us”.

On the other hand it helped the Bolts lift the Stanley Cup back in 2004, so if the circumstances and team-chemistry is right; this could possibly be a good fit for the Rangers and a winning formula. But, that remains to be seen – as of yet.

What also remains debatable is if this is a major change of direction – a shift in hockey philosophy for the Rangers, or merely a makeshift makeover. Desperate times call for desperate measures they say, and this seems to fit snuggly in to that category. It will be interesting to watch how this gamble pans out. For now, it’s a case of ‘he who lives to see – will find out’….

Baby Steps

Yesterday, John Tortorella made his debut behind the Rangers’ bench (although he did have 4 as a caretaker coach back in 2000) and came away from Toronto with a precious point. Even so, Tortorella won’t be satisfied and would most certainly have wanted two for their troubles. As often is the case with a new manager who wants to change things in a radical new direction; the first baby steps can be a bit crude and wobbly, but will improve with time and practice. Unfortunately for John he won’t be given much of that precious commodity as a hectic schedule descends upon the NY Rangers.

Next follows the crucial home bow against fellow playoff hopefuls the Florida Panthers. This will truly be John’s baptism through fire. Having been Tampa Bay’s head coach for so many years; it will be a familiar meeting for him with an undertone of seething animosity. Expect John to be animated behind the bench and scolding his players if they don’t give it their all.

The importance of the game is clear to everyone; neither team can afford to lose pace on one-another or drop points to the chasing pack; headed by Buffalo, Carolina and Pittsburgh. Only three out of these five playoff contenders will eventually make the post-season. It is likely that this chase will go down to the wire – and a point or two – may very well be all that separates them in the end.

Whether or not John Tortorella can be the difference-maker for the Rangers – we will soon see, but the challenge before him is a massive one and not one for the faint-hearted. It’s a pot-holed course that will swing all sets of supporters from hope to despair; but it is games and challenges like these, which make hockey fans – players and coaches – itch with anticipation for each and every game. John will no doubt play his part in the unfolding drama and will make it just a little bit more colorful of a spectacle, for us all.

Who needs Sean Avery, after all, when you have John Tortorella behind the bench?

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