Larry Brooks wrote an extremely complimentary column today in the New York Post that argued the all-for-one-and-one-for-all Rangers could “own” the city in the spring. (Presumably Brooksie doesn’t like the Knicks’ chances.)
Look, this is not a powerhouse team. This is not a group glittering with stars like the one featuring Mark Messier, Brian Leetch, Mike Richter and Adam Graves that put an end to the 54-year Stanley Cup drought by looking history in the eye until it blinked.
But it is a team that is greater than the sum of its parts operating in a sport that rewards fabric more than any other. There are talents who do get their name above the title on the marquee, specifically Henrik Lundqvist and Marian Gaborik, and that is required of teams that go all the way, but more than the commitment to grind on every shift, to block every shot and to finish and play through every check, there is the commitment to one another.
Brooks also quoted Rangers forward Mike Rupp about the players’ dedication to each other.
“There’s an across-the-board level of sacrifice needed for success in this game,” said Rupp. “I’ve been on teams where you have 15 guys who sacrifice every night but there are also five guys floating looking for their cookies, and that doesn’t work.”
Added captain Ryan Callahan: “It’s one guy taking a hit for the next guy to the point where it’s pretty hard not to do it and then feel good about yourself.”
Question for the comments section: If the Rangers finish first overall, would you vote for John Tortorella as coach of the year? It’s pretty clear he’s got his players to buy in, and that’s a big part of coaching. At the moment I’d give the nod to Barry Trotz in Nashville since he’s got less to work with on paper, but Torts is right up there.