New Start for the Rangers with Alain Vigneault
Now as a Devils fan I know I should despise anything and everything that is even remotely related and/or associated with the New York Rangers, but I like what GM Glen Sather has done by hiring Vigneault. Vigneault who signed a five-year $10 million contract seems to be the perfect fit for New York.
Alain Vigneault is the complete opposite of Tortorella, so with Vigneault you can expect to see some big changes.
First thing we’ll see a change on is the Rangers power play. The Rangers must be able to capitalize on this. The Rangers have an all star line up, players that teams would die for, and yet they could never produce on the advantage. Vigneault had the Canucks PP ranked 1st in the NHL in 2010-11 and 4th 2011-12. Although the Rangers PP won’t reach that of the Canucks, within a year, it still needs to improve one way or another if they ever want to see the Stanley Cup back at Madison Square Garden.
Another change that will most likely come is how the defense plays. Vigneault will give McDonagh, Moore, and Del Zotto more movement on the offensive attack. And based on his coaching style, giving the players more freedom, this will only benefit Nash, Kreider, Hagelin, Stepan, and Brassard.
One definite thing that won’t change is Lundqvist in goal for obvious reasons, although he is no Marty, Lundqvist is in his prime.
“It’s an Original Six team. It’s got a chance to win. It’s one of the elite teams in my opinion in the NHL, and I want to win,” A.V. stated. He believes that with Lundqvist in goal and the talent that he has on his roster this can be accomplished. He’s bringing an optimistic view of the game to New York, giving the players a fresh start and putting some faith back into the fans.
Vigneault coached the Canucks for seven seasons, leading them to back-to-back Presidents’ Trophies in 2010-2011 and 2011-2012, and six Northwest Division titles.
The Rangers are close to being Stanley Cup contenders. With this upcoming season, it’ll be 20 years since the Rangers have won the Stanley Cup; maybe A.V. has what it takes to bring The Cup back to New York.
