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 Thursday, January 30, 2003
Rangers need a disciplinarian
By John Davidson
Special to ABC Sports Online
The Rangers tried to be patient with Bryan Trottier. Glen Sather is a patient man. But looking at the standings, they didn't have much choice. Sometimes you have to try and right your ship. Timing is part of it. They had to do something.
It is a very difficult marketplace, and Bryan Trottier was learning on the run. He might have learned that he was too nice a guy. He's a very hard-working person, but sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.
They need someone to come in and take over. Really take over. I don't know how Sather is going to do as the new head coach. He has been a successful coach before (winning four Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers). I suspect he had discussions with assistant coach Jim Schoenfeld and management, and this is the decision they came up with.
His relationship with Mark Messier is professional. They know each other well, but it's not buddy-buddy. That's not a problem. Messier also won't play tonight because of a pinched nerve.
I am surprised by the decision, but not completely. Look at how the Rangers have played over the last week -- well. Then, they slumped. The team had its ship up in there, and then all of a sudden, lost it. It was an absolute lack of discipline. You can't have that.
The Rangers' final 28 games are going to be difficult. They have a very tough schedule, especially in February, when the majority of their games are on the road. Their first game after the All-Star break is with Ottawa, then are in St. Louis the next night, which is always very difficult. Then head to Philadelphia.
You will see better hockey from the Rangers. Collectively, this team has shown that it can well. But at times, there's been a serious lack of discipline. If that doesn't change, then a coaching change won't matter. If the discipline doesn't get better, they won't win.
They have had good people coaching this team. But it's time for some tough guy to crack them into shape.
That guy is Sather.
This year's club is better than the five previous ones that did not make the playoffs. It has had its share of injuries, but the Rangers are also good enough to be a top-eight team in the East. They have played horrible in some games, good in others. They have contributed to their problems with bad penalties and mistakes, ones that solid players do not make.
John Davidson is a NHL analyst for ABC Sports. He is a regular contributor to ABC Sports Online.
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