In the contextual conversation about an organization’s success in any given sports league; who is more responsible for a winning team’s achievements or a losing team’s struggles? The players or the coaches?
The reality of the situation for the New York Rangers
Well, as the New York Rangers find their way through this Covid-shortened 56 game season, the merits and acumen of head coach David Quinn are coming into question. Since leaving the campus of Boston University to become the Blueshirts bench boss in 2018, Quinn was given the keys to a rebuilding franchise that was light years away from becoming a serious Stanley Cup contender.
Quinn’s sterling reputation of being a master communicator and relating to players not yet old enough to drink a beer was what made general manager Jeff Gorton seek him out. Since Garden management jettisoned one older fan-favorite after another to go with a full-fledged youth movement, having a head coach who excelled with young players seemed the wise way to go. New Yorkers may be impatient by nature, however even the most restless Ranger fan realized the team was going through a massive rebuild and patience was of utmost importance.
The latest tweets from @johnmcguirk. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Many might’ve seen David Quinn’s decision to shake up the defensive pairings after one bad game as the Rangers head coach pressing the panic button. However, if you take a closer look at the. The latest tweets from @DAVIDQUINN19.
Unfair to judge Quinn while trying to win and develop kids at the same time
Now, in year three of Quinn’s tenure, an ever growing sect of Rangerstown is starting to turn sour on the Rhode Island native. Not necessarily because of the fact the Rangers have just four wins in twelve games, but partly because of the perceived snail’s pace in which prized first round draft picks Alexis Lafrenière and Kaapo Kakko seem to be progressing, adapting and adjusting to the professional game.
The number 2 pick in the 2019 NHL draft and the number 1 pick in the 2020 draft were billed as “NHL ready” by the experts who scout teenagers for a living. Unfortunately, the Finn and the Frenchman have looked overwhelmed at times but that is to be expected with players not even 20 years old yet.
The Garden Faithful are a unique fan base. They’re not used to seeing a youth movement/rebuild. They prefer instant gratification instead of the “it takes time” approach.
So, why haven’t numbers 13 and 24 made any real impact in their embryonic Ranger careers? Were the experts and scouts wrong about their potential? Is Quinn not using these neophytes correctly? These questions, among others, are starting to circulate around Social Media as more and more Ranger fans are putting the onus and blame on Quinn for the twin teenagers lack of production.
Of course, those same fans have blinders on when it comes to the successful development of players like K’Andre Miller, Adam Fox, Igor Shesterkin, and Pavel Buchnevich. All have experienced success under this head coach.
Too much emphasis on the coach
Generally speaking, coaches get too much blame for losing and too much adulation for success. Players win and lose games. Period.
Coaches, even the most astute ones, have very little impact on the proceedings of a contest once the puck is dropped. Specifically pertaining to the Rangers and their rather rollercoaster first twelve games. How much blame does David Quinn truly deserve for their inconsistency and blemishes? And if you say all of it, then what are you willing to give him credit for? The Rangers defense has turned it around big time this season.
Well, in my view, blaming Quinn for things like Pavel Buchnevich’s inexplicable pass in overtime last night which led to the Brad Marchand breakaway game-winning goal is ridiculous. Would you blame the bartender if your steak wasn’t cooked the way you like it.
I severely doubt that even if the Blueshirts continue to struggle as a team, that Quinn will lose his job this season. However, with Rangerstown having less patience and more anxiety with the direction of the franchise, it would not be a surprise at all to see more fans begin to question him and join in the chorus of others looking for a change.
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When the New York Rangers hired David Quinn out of Boston University in 2018 there was a ton of excitement in the air. Orb networks port devices driver download for windows. He replaced a successful coach in Alain Vigneault who took the Blueshirts to the Stanley Cup Final in his first season behind the bench and an ECF game 7 a season later. The problem with the team was they were getting older and needed to infuse youth into the lineup, which was something Vigneault was not good at.
Upon his hiring, Jeff Gorton made it a point to call out Quinn’s ability to connect with young players and help them grow.
“In a coaching career that has spanned over two decades at the collegiate, pro and international level, David has helped his teams achieve success while simultaneously teaching the game and helping his players develop on and off the ice,” Rangers general manager Jeff Gorton said. “He is the ideal choice to bring our loyal and passionate fans the winning hockey they deserve.”
NHL.comDavid Quinn’s drawing the ire of Rangers fans
Fast forward the clock to today and the fanbase is calling for his head. One group is already fed up with losing despite the fact the Rangers have gotten younger on average all three seasons Quinn’s been behind the bench. Another group pretends like they don’t care about winning and are screaming about playing the kids more regardless of whose ice time it may cost.
Quinn’s far from perfect, but the Rangers have gotten better in each of the three seasons he’s been here. Continuously screaming about how he’s handling ice time of players like Kaapo Kakko and Alexis Lafrenière is getting louder. Throw in freshly added Vitali Kravtsov and the calls about playing the kids are only going to reach a fever pitch.
The fact of the matter is this; Quinn is constantly teaching and making the kids earn it. If you want to see his resume for player development you can’t ignore Pavel Buchnevich who wallowed under Vigneault. Adam Fox is now a Norris Trophy candidate in his second season. K’Andre Miller has hit the ground running and Kakko is night and day better than last season. All that’s missing from Kakko’s game is burying his chances.
If there’s one justifiable complaint it was Quinn’s penchant for immediately shuffling lines at the first sign of trouble in game. Since his return from COVID protocol he’s tempered that down drastically. Another potential major issue I have is the Rangers first PP unit’s refusal to get off the ice or his unwillingness to take them off. That’s not a good look for him either way. He needs to get kids like Lafrenière; Kakko; and Kravtsov PP ice time.
David Quinn is not going anywhere for a multitude of reasons
The question many fans are asking is if he’s the right coach going forward. From what I gather talking to people around the organization – the answer is yes. He’s Jeff Gorton’s guy and although John Davidson was announced team president after his hiring, he believes in both Jeff and David.
When it comes to teaching the kids, Quinn is always working with them. He doesn’t leave it to his assistants; he gets in there and works one-on-one with many of them. He’s respected for that and the kids have been responding well.
Christine Quinn Twitter
Finally, another big reason Quinn will be the head coach heading into next season is to try and lure Jack Eichel here. Let’s be clear on the fact Eichel has no say as to where he goes. He has no trade protection in his deal at the moment. While there’s been no public demand to be traded; the speculation around the NHL is that he will end up on the Rangers. Should he go public it could force Buffalo’s hand this summer.
Eichel played one season for BU and David Quinn was his coach. The two had a great relationship and Eichel was grateful to Quinn before leaving. “This past season has been one of the best years of my life,” he said. “I’d like to especially thank Coach Quinn and his staff, all of the equipment and medical personnel, my teammates, my academic advisors, and the entire athletics department. I’m looking forward to starting the next chapter in my life with the Buffalo Sabres, but I will always be indebted to BU.”
I wouldn’t discount their relationship if a blockbuster deal for Eichel was going to be made. I also believe Quinn having coached him for even one season holds a lot of weight on how far the team is willing to go in acquiring him. Alge-timing 1394 driver download for windows.
The day may come where the Rangers feel Quinn can’t take them to a Stanley Cup. They may feel an older more experienced coach is what’s needed for that step. However that is not today; and from what I can gather it won’t be next season either.
Brian Quinn Twitter
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