I watched the Red Wings play the Flames last night and I thought of the Rangers as I watched the Detroit power play.
The Wings were only 1-for-7, but they have one of the better units in the league. Their overall success is undeniable; they have the best record in the NHL, the 6th best power play and they’ve made 16 consecutive playoff appearances, winning three Cups in the last decade.
I bring this up because of the heavily European Red Wings roster. North American players are out numbered slightly in Detroit, but it hasn’t hampered the club’s regular season success. Granted, they haven’t won a cup since 2002 when their core was comprised of greats like Steve Yzerman, Brendan Shanahan, Brett Hull, Pat Verbeek and Luc Robataille (and many more North American hired hands and role players) … but Russians featured heavily in their ’97 and ’98 Cups and Swedes are the nationality du jour in the Motor City, and they look poised to take another championship very soon. What this all has to do with the Rangers is this: we complain about the Jagr-ization of the power play, decrying it as European hockey when it’s not exactly that simple.
Yes, the style played in Europe differs from that in North America, but players can be molded and directed by effective coaches and management into playing the system that benefits the club. Detroit is an example of how European talent has been married to North American grit and determination to reap great success. It’s also proof that it’s possible … even in New York.
The only thing needed for such a sea change in playing style is a sea change in management … a point we’ve beaten to death, but hasn’t gotten across to the organization and likely won’t so long as the Dolans are making money from the club.
The Rangers do not look like a Stanley Cup contending team this season and, if they make the playoffs, their likely exit should provide enough disappointment to hit the Dolans in the pocketbook. Fans can express their disappointment by not spending their money. When the profit-machine stops working, it will be retooled in the manner required to again make money.
Someone mentioned Scotty Bowman behind the Ranger bench. That would be spectacular. Sadly, it seems more of a pipe dream than anything, but it’s exactly the kind of fresh thinking — and he’s precisely the kind of exacting taskmaster — the Rangers need.