Rangers Analysis: Sather's Built Tortorella the Team He Wants
by Nick Montemagno on Jul 6, 2011 6:00 AM EDT
in New York Rangers Analysis
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Since the day John Tortorella was brought in as head coach of the New York Rangers, management has done its best to build the team to the coach's liking. They've added skill and they've added grit, all while slowly but surely bringing some of the prospects along and developing them at the National Hockey League level. This is how Tortorella wanted it done - this is how he wanted his team structured - and now, going into his fourth season behind the bench in New York (third full season), Tortorella has finally received a lineup that fits into his comfort zone thanks to the work of GM Glen Sather and staff.
The acquisition of Brad Richards this past weekend was obviously the icing on the cake. Tortorella coached Brad in his first seven years being in the NHL, and something I only learned during Saturday's press conference was that Tortorella came into the league at the same time as Richards, and pointed out that they learned together. Never before have I heard Torts speak of a player like that until now, so I think it was very special to the coach to have Brad on the team here in the Big Apple.
Torts also has a pre-existing relationship with winger Ruslan Fedotenko, who was also a member of the 2004 Stanley Cup winning squad in Tampa Bay. I believe it was Torts who pushed hard to have Ruslan re-signed for the upcoming season, because he was always quick to compliment the veteran role player when talking to the media. Feds is someone who Tortorella has a lot of trust in, as he should.
John has also developed these strong relationships with players like Ryan Callahan, Brandon Dubinsky, Marc Staal and Dan Girardi over the years. I think at one point or another he's had his ups and downs with each of them (well, maybe not Cally), but they've all become his "go-to" players as he terms them, especially in big-game situations.
Continue reading after the jump...
Tortorella prefers for his teams to have a balanced mix of skill and grit. Right now, even after the Richards signing, I think the Blueshirts still need to add another scorer in order to get that perfect balance, but they are close.
He has the Prusts, Boyles and Rupps when he needs a checking line, he has the Fedotenkos, Callahans and Dubinskys when he needs a spark or a penalty-kill, and now he has the Gaboriks and Richards when he needs a goal. Coming up in the wing Torts also has the Stepans, Zuccarellos, Hagelins and Kreiders who all have the potential to be molded into one of the previously mentioned classifications.
Then on defense Tortorella obviously has Staal and Girardi as his shutdown pairing. Beyond that the blue-line is relatively young and I think it would be unfair to classify any of them into a defensive type just yet. However, Del Zotto and Erixon both have the ability to become offensive-minded defenseman, and then McIlrath is just a straight up bruiser.
So again, the Rangers aren't there yet, but they are getting close. John Tortorella now almost has all of the pieces here in New York that he had in Tampa Bay, and whatever he doesn't, it could be coming up through the system in the near future. He has his role players, his checkers and his scorers, so now it is time to blend them together to form a well-rounded club that can play his style of hockey.
Sather has done a lot to get Tortorella the team he wanted, and is probably still looking around for other pieces he could add to make it even better. But there is only so much a GM can do, which means it's now Tortorella who has to come through and do what he was brought here to do; coach the New York Rangers to their fifth Stanley Cup.
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ah...I hate to say this but...DUH!
Nick,
All due respect, but ANY player, coach, GM, fan, trainer, stick boy, etc., etc., etc. worth his soul and heart would want a team to be put together the way we are slowly AND surely being built. Who wouldn’t want a Cally or two or three on their team? Or a a proven vet like Richards? Or a lge-leading-shot-blocking courageous defenseman like Joe Girardi? Who didn’t see Feds work his absolute tail off agst the Caps in ALL 5 games, esp the 2nd period of Game 4 when he single-handedly created something out of nothing for 2 glorious goals by Gabby and Dubi in a span of a mere 7 seconds??!
Shall I go on?
The point is, Sather has patiently, somewhat systematically and more recently done a lot to get a team that ANYONE would want put together. Period! And Finally! But, that being said, you are spot on that it is time now for Tortorella (and Gabby for that matter with his linemate “request” now fulfilled) to prove that HE is worthy of coaching this collectively passionate and hard-working group of players, even moreso than the other way around.
And TBH, the way Torts has demonstrated a history of IMpatience w.r.t. line juggling and a very glaring inability, along with Mike Sullivan, to successfully strategize a potent PP even sans BR, it will be VERY interesting and personally quite surprising to see if Mr. Tortorella can live up to HIS part of the bargain.
Joe Girardi? Didn't know he could skate
Were they saying "Boo" or "Boo-urns?"
@SlayerSantana on Twitter
+1
Call me a sadist, but I’d loooove to see that happen, with Joe on his dodgy ex-catcher’s legs. I’d gladly save up to donate $50 to DTBL to see exactly this!
Even better, if Joe Girardi can teach el Mexicano how to slide, why not have a Ranger…say, MZA, teach Joe G how to skate. Then, just to get all four “major” sports into play — AND to complete the circle — we can get Dirk Nowitzki show MZA how to do a lay-up, and then have Sanchez teach Nowitzki how to throw a Hail Mary.
He can't
His binder told him no.
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Writer for Pinstripe Alley
"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."
"Every day is a great day for hockey."
Mr. Negativity up here ^^
I agree that they could use a scoring left wing, I wish Prospal was that guy, but I don’t know if he can be. He’s proven he can come in the clutch sometimes, so I’d like to give him a shot. Plus, he’s both a gritty forward who plays with a ton of heart and he’s shown he can finish when he needs to. Nobody needs to question the passion, so I say bring him on for one more season if the moneys right.
Second, Torts, please oh please adopt another strategy to use before the dump n cycle…
I read that Chris Drury is available.
He could be the straw that mixes the drink.. he’s captain clutch.. good guy to have in the lock room and a top six forward. Once scored 37 goals in a season. It would be dynamite if we could get this guy. Bit of knee issue, but I’m sure it will clear up by October. Maybe 1 year at 2.5 million. There could be a bidding war if he gets a clean bill of healthy so Slats should get on this ASAP. He’s also a successful restraunteur and won the Stanley cup and little league world series. Three time Olympian!
by Gabby the Gutless Sniper on Jul 6, 2011 7:58 AM EDT reply actions
I can not wait
To see the cameras on him for the winter classic. He is going to go ape shit.
by XxC17xX on Jul 6, 2011 9:29 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
It’s going to be great
I’m expecting at least one Kenny Rogers style cameramen beatings
by The Blue Seats on Jul 6, 2011 9:40 AM EDT up reply actions
It would be hilarious if it turns out that he’s an avid yoga student or something, and meditates for hours before every game.
"Mes que un club"
-Ahmad Bradshaw is undoubtedly a psychic genius.
by Scratch and Snif on Jul 7, 2011 12:23 AM EDT up reply actions
he had better be
i dont want some quieted up Torts
He’s gonna make Bruce Boudreau look like an ice cream craving choir boy
"Don't look now, but there's one too many people in this room and I think it's you." Groucho Marx
In Prust We Trust
"Kovalev would work with Tortorella like a kitty would work in a microwave.
A lot of smoke and desperate clawing at the door. It wouldn’t work. It would just be a big, hot mess." -Dig Deep
Follow me @8kpower
by Kevin Power on Jul 6, 2011 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I’m expecting something Herb Brooks-esque
R.I.P Derek
Rangers FTW!
by BleedsRangerBlue on Jul 6, 2011 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions
But there is only so much a GM can do, which means it’s now Tortorella who has to come through and do what he was brought here to do; coach the New York Rangers to their fifth Stanley Cup.
In all honesty, there is only so much a Coach can do too. It takes a tremendous amount of luck to win the Stanley Cup. Luck that the coach has almost no control over.
this is why I said that Torts should not be fired
The guy has a plan and a goal for this team and he’s getting the right players that will play in his system. and like Nick said he has his “go to” guys in Staal, Dubi, Cally and now BRich (we gotta find a better nickname than that) that will help spread the gospel according to Torts and get this team going all in the same direction
"Don't look now, but there's one too many people in this room and I think it's you." Groucho Marx
In Prust We Trust
"Kovalev would work with Tortorella like a kitty would work in a microwave.
A lot of smoke and desperate clawing at the door. It wouldn’t work. It would just be a big, hot mess." -Dig Deep
Follow me @8kpower
no more BRich
I think after looking at his contract maybe his nickname should be IsRich.
"So Say Goodnight To The Bad Guy"..............Antonio Montana 1983
by Stroker Ace on Jul 6, 2011 11:22 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
or
"Don't look now, but there's one too many people in this room and I think it's you." Groucho Marx
In Prust We Trust
"Kovalev would work with Tortorella like a kitty would work in a microwave.
A lot of smoke and desperate clawing at the door. It wouldn’t work. It would just be a big, hot mess." -Dig Deep
Follow me @8kpower
People are so quick to call for a coaches head in all sports these days it drives me insane. It takes time to put together the team to make a legitimate run and fans are calling for the coach to be fired if they don’t win it all after one year. The fact it even needs to be mentioned “this is why I didn’t want him fired” bothers the hell outta me that people are so impatient. How can these same people be so patient wanting us to develop the team properly with prospects which takes a long time yet they want the coach to “win now” or get out?? Sorry for my little rant but I just hate the thought process on coaches in all sports these days with no patience whatsoever in most cases. Not directed at you 8k because I know you were just saying how you didn’t want him fired but it made me think about it with the fact you even had to say that at this point. Ugh
by Mr. Avery to you on Jul 6, 2011 11:43 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
For me the time to see drastic improvement is now. Unless horrible things happen next year with injuries I want to see the Rangers in at least the 2nd round and I think that’s being kind.
He has his star player(s) and elite goaltender. Now fix the fucking powerplay w/ Sully. Last year I grew tired of his constant “I’ll have this team ready to play next game” after the team didn’t show up in a crucial game and were flat all night. No more excuses this year.
If the Rangers are in the 8th to 10th range fighting til the last day then next year it will be a massive underachievement.
GO PACK GO -- 13 Time World Champions
Let's Go Rangers
UH Huh You Know What It Is ZUCCA-RELLO ZUCCA-RELLO
by Plusch on Jul 6, 2011 10:59 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Sullivan has failed in his duties as the powerplay orchestrator. It’s way past time to bring someone else in.
Yeah, the players have absolutely no culpability.
It was the coach not shooting, not skating to open ice, etc…
by GAThingy on Jul 6, 2011 5:05 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
What else does Sullivan do (besides the between periods mini-interview)? What kind of thing does an Asst Coach do for an NHL team?
duh, make the coffees. He’s like the high ranking intern
"Mes que un club"
-Ahmad Bradshaw is undoubtedly a psychic genius.
by Scratch and Snif on Jul 7, 2011 12:24 AM EDT up reply actions
But Sullivan isn’t funny..
"Mr. Madison, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul."
LET'S GO RANGERS!!!
Think the whole league found our PP hilarious
by teknics on Jul 7, 2011 10:38 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
win
"Don't look now, but there's one too many people in this room and I think it's you." Groucho Marx
In Prust We Trust
"Kovalev would work with Tortorella like a kitty would work in a microwave.
A lot of smoke and desperate clawing at the door. It wouldn’t work. It would just be a big, hot mess." -Dig Deep
Follow me @8kpower
+1 :)
"Mr. Madison, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul."
LET'S GO RANGERS!!!
I think that the real work for sather actually begins now. He has built the excellent core and supporting cast and the tinkering with the roster can be more difficult then large remakes of it. Does he trade a few pieces for a left winger? who does he resign after this year? a lot of tough decisions still need to be made for us to contend the next few years…
Agreed. We have a solid core. What pieces need to be added at what cost is where this is going to get tough.
Manning lobs it, Burress alone, touchdown New York!
For the empty net, Mark Messier... do you believe it?! Do you believe it?! He said we will win game 6 - he has just picked up the hat trick!
Question on the arbitration filings
Does that just push the timeline up for getting these guys signed? I know its part of the process and not really a bad thing. Just curious if, other than closing the possibility of offer sheets, it does anything else.
Manning lobs it, Burress alone, touchdown New York!
For the empty net, Mark Messier... do you believe it?! Do you believe it?! He said we will win game 6 - he has just picked up the hat trick!
The team will have until the scheduled arbitration hearings (whenever that ends up being) to negotiate a deal, as opposed to being able to take their time. So yeah, it will accelerate ‘the process’ a bit. The hearings are usually end of July, early August.
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by George E. Ays on Jul 6, 2011 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions
Thanks. Looks like Sather’s got some work to do this month. Rangers have 4 of the total 23 players that filed for arbitration.
Manning lobs it, Burress alone, touchdown New York!
For the empty net, Mark Messier... do you believe it?! Do you believe it?! He said we will win game 6 - he has just picked up the hat trick!
Speaking of getting another scoring winger, what do you guys think it would take to pry loui eriksson away from dallas?
Act of god?
Blueshirt Banter - Where Rangers' Fans Matter
Tracking the Rangers - Numbers don't lie. They just don't agree with you.
Twitter: RangerSmurf
by George E. Ays on Jul 6, 2011 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions
jedi mind trick?
"Don't look now, but there's one too many people in this room and I think it's you." Groucho Marx
In Prust We Trust
"Kovalev would work with Tortorella like a kitty would work in a microwave.
A lot of smoke and desperate clawing at the door. It wouldn’t work. It would just be a big, hot mess." -Dig Deep
Follow me @8kpower
not every gm is smart making trades
a 1st for varlamov?
mcdonagh in a deal for gomez?
i’d like to think nieuwendyk is smarter than that, but maybe he’s so wrapped up in the hall of fame thing he can be duped
@joereiter
Blueshirt Banter
"You can be a lion maybe once in your life. If you don't make this deal, you're a
mouse forever….Wouldn't you rather be a lion for one day than a mouse for life?" - Lord General Sather
"Nobody knows anything" - William Goldman
depends
on what kind of compromising photos sather has of nieuwendyk and how much they’re worth to him to keep locked up
@joereiter
Blueshirt Banter
"You can be a lion maybe once in your life. If you don't make this deal, you're a
mouse forever….Wouldn't you rather be a lion for one day than a mouse for life?" - Lord General Sather
"Nobody knows anything" - William Goldman
That would be sweet though as we already know BRich has chemistry with him..
by Mr. Avery to you on Jul 6, 2011 11:50 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I think we should see if the scoring winger isn't on the roster already
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
So BR said he's gonna wear #19
Who among you will sell just the sweater patch of “Richards” for all the unfortunate fans like myself who’s girlfriends bought them Scott Gomez jerseys thinking a 7-yr contract was a safe bet? I’ll buy a white one
Were they saying "Boo" or "Boo-urns?"
@SlayerSantana on Twitter
Could def charge a $20 for it no problemo
Were they saying "Boo" or "Boo-urns?"
@SlayerSantana on Twitter
by Kendrick Jay on Jul 6, 2011 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions
Feds may have a say in whether Richards can take his number. May want to wait on that patch.
Manning lobs it, Burress alone, touchdown New York!
For the empty net, Mark Messier... do you believe it?! Do you believe it?! He said we will win game 6 - he has just picked up the hat trick!
Richards said today he’s wearing 19. My guess is Feds goes back to his old 26, and Christensen, umm…well
Blueshirt Banter - Where Rangers' Fans Matter
Tracking the Rangers - Numbers don't lie. They just don't agree with you.
Twitter: RangerSmurf
by George E. Ays on Jul 6, 2011 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions
Ha. Uh, hey Erik, see that wall over there…well hey look, there’s some writing on it…maybe you should go read that…
Manning lobs it, Burress alone, touchdown New York!
For the empty net, Mark Messier... do you believe it?! Do you believe it?! He said we will win game 6 - he has just picked up the hat trick!
Feds may charge a $20k for it no problemo
Were they saying "Boo" or "Boo-urns?"
@SlayerSantana on Twitter
by Kendrick Jay on Jul 6, 2011 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions
Technically, didn’t richards sign before feds? That means his # was avail since as of jul 1 feds wasn’t on the roster.
by GAThingy on Jul 6, 2011 5:10 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Haha yeah I’ve got one too I’d like to find a patch…maybe I can just trade my Gomez jersey to JOEREITER straight up for a Richards jersey as much as I know he loves him :)
by Mr. Avery to you on Jul 6, 2011 12:06 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
What’s Feds gonna wear?
GO PACK GO -- 13 Time World Champions
Let's Go Rangers
UH Huh You Know What It Is ZUCCA-RELLO ZUCCA-RELLO
by Plusch on Jul 6, 2011 12:08 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
And Christensen said um that’s not good
Manning lobs it, Burress alone, touchdown New York!
For the empty net, Mark Messier... do you believe it?! Do you believe it?! He said we will win game 6 - he has just picked up the hat trick!
I just read Feds asked EC if he could wear 26 and EC said he didn’t care…unknown what EC will wear now..
by Mr. Avery to you on Jul 6, 2011 12:58 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
EC will wear 40. Weird number for a hockey jersey. Disappointed there’s no scrub wearing #12 right now. Guess that streak is over
GO PACK GO -- 13 Time World Champions
Let's Go Rangers
UH Huh You Know What It Is ZUCCA-RELLO ZUCCA-RELLO
That’s going up to the rafters for Olli
by Mr. Avery to you on Jul 6, 2011 2:43 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Kotalik-Olli-White is an impressive combo for the #12 jersey
GO PACK GO -- 13 Time World Champions
Let's Go Rangers
UH Huh You Know What It Is ZUCCA-RELLO ZUCCA-RELLO
Seriously...since 1996
Ken Gernander (96-97,04)
Bob Errey/Mike Keane (‘98)
Rich Brennan (’99)
Alexander Daigle (‘00)
Dixon Ward (’03)
Patrick Rissmiller (‘09)
Kotalik/Jokinen (’10)
White (’11)
Bathgate wore it before he wore 9, can we retire his number twice?
Blueshirt Banter - Where Rangers' Fans Matter
Tracking the Rangers - Numbers don't lie. They just don't agree with you.
Twitter: RangerSmurf
by George E. Ays on Jul 6, 2011 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions
I say we designate the worst player or most disliked player on the team to wear #12 from now on. But I dont really dislike anyone on the team currently so as of now I’d vote Christensen
GO PACK GO -- 13 Time World Champions
Let's Go Rangers
UH Huh You Know What It Is ZUCCA-RELLO ZUCCA-RELLO
Looks like the steak is over then.
GO PACK GO -- 13 Time World Champions
Let's Go Rangers
UH Huh You Know What It Is ZUCCA-RELLO ZUCCA-RELLO
by Plusch on Jul 7, 2011 10:23 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
didnt Eddie Olczyk (sp?) wear 12? or am i thinking of a video game or something, now that i think of it maybe he wasnt even on the rangers lmao.
yup
they traded Kris King for Olczyk who both wore #12
Not only was he on the Rangers, he’s got a Stanley Cup ring with them—gosh darn you must be young
The Rangers had to petition to get Olczyk’s name on the Cup too since he didn’t actually play in the finals.
by NTB on Jul 7, 2011 9:03 AM EDT up reply actions
Na I’m 28, just got the memory of a fish
by teknics on Jul 7, 2011 10:44 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I really liked
Ken Gernander—- but you know. as that hope for the underdog sorta thing
and Daigle. I was like his biggest fan in Jrs and then his first few years with Ottawa were good. then man wtf happened?
Hagelin is the next to wear 12, book it
by The Blue Seats on Jul 7, 2011 12:45 AM EDT up reply actions
BR interview on WFAN
Adam has a nice summary of the interview here: http://www.snyrangersblog.com/
Have 250 "Richards" patches made for $5 each, sell em for $20
And use the proceeds for a BSB season ticket package at MSG for next season. Best fan post of the week gets the honor of joining Joe, Jim, George, 8K, Dig or any of your choice of favorite BSB lunatics, I mean contributors
Were they saying "Boo" or "Boo-urns?"
@SlayerSantana on Twitter
that was awesome times!
King, Domi, Beukeboom, and KOCUR all on the same team?
Bodies hit the floor in 91-92!
Team had 1800 penalty minutes and a Presidents trophy.
Last year’s team had 1060 and a near playoff miss. Anyone think this is coincidence?
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