The Tortorella Game: Can the Rangers Play It?
Blueshirts better get ready for grueling conditioning regimen
Posted on Wednesday, August 19, 2009 at 11:25 AM
By Stan Fischler
If you happen to range between 18 and 35 years old and seek top-flight physical conditioning, there are two excellent possibilities.
1) You can enlist in the United States Marine Corps and start Boot Camp at Parris Island.
2) Or, if you're a New York Ranger, hockey's version of Boot Camp will begin next month under Master Sergeant John Tortorella. Either way, you pay the price.
If this doesn't evolve into THE most rigorous pre-season camp in NHL history, it certainly figures to be the most physically challenging any Blueshirt sextet has known.
Just ask the man who is designing the program – or his captain.
"Conditioning will be the key," says Torts. "I want them in great skating shape. I guarantee that the first two days of camp will be grueling."
While the coach's "No Country Club" approach has been articulated well, there is no harm in getting it through to the players via Chris Drury.
"John wants the guys to know that this will be the most challenging camp of their lives," adds the Captain.
What does all this mean for the 2009-2010 Rangers?
At the very least, no less than five key players will be expected to improve; no matter what they did in 2008-2009.
Here's the Who and How – as well as their chances, in The Maven's view:
As good as Henny has been – three-time Vezina Trophy finalist – he can be still better in the coach's view; especially when it comes to leading the club to the second playoff round; which, significantly did not happen last Spring. Dismayed over his goalie blowing a 3-1 series lead to Washington, Tortorella – "Hank plays too much" – plans to trim Lundqvist's starts. How severe the cuts will be remains to be seen but Steve Valiquette – "a good back-up who understands his role" – can expect more meaningful starts.
Here's Tortorella's biggest challenge by far. My belief is that the incendiary coach can galvanize the enigmatic D-man to a 10 percent improvement. That means both on the back line as well as quarterbacking the power play. This is a turning point season for WR. Torts job will be turning it UP! Or else!!
A year ago, The Great Gabbo had become a New York expatriate; hero-turned-hated; seemingly lost and gone forever. Avery's return ranks among the NHL's all-time revivals. But for how long? The odds are extremely favorable that Avery will emerge as a primary-versatile forward on the power play, penalty-kill as well as taking a regular turn. He's in the best shape of his career and, most important, at long last – thanks to Torts – HE GETS IT!
As gifted as Jaromir Jagr and comfortably less self-centered, Glen Sather's prime offensive addition is in a unique career position. For the first time as an NHLer, he'll be skating for a go-go coach – with a little defense on the side – which means one thing: Gabby is in for a career-goal-scoring year; or my name ain't The Maven!
A breakout year is possible – if not probable – for the lad who shone against the Capitals last April. His delayed contract status has fueled repeated rumors which are of absolutely no consequence whatsoever. He will be signed in due time and for proper value. Duby does not – repeat NOT – want to leave The Apple. He saw how the exit ruined Avery. Brandon knows. Now we'll learn whether he can lead under a new mentor. It will be enlightening all around.
YOUNGSTERS
Tortorella, more than most previous Rangers coaches, is determined to infuse youth into the lineup. That means that the likes of Bobby Sanguinetti, P.A. Parenteau, Enver Lisin, Artem Anisimov, among others, will get a marvelous opportunity to crack the lineup. My estimation is that two young backliners and at least two youthful forwards will bust on to the roster.
Trivial as it may seem, Torts' theme – among others – is Togetherness. He's the Sergeant-Major and the manner in which his troops adjust to his vigorous style will go a long way toward determining where the Blueshirts finish in April.
"Torts wants us to know what to expect," Drury concludes. "Next month we all had better be prepared."
And that's what Boot Camp is all about.
It won't be long before we learn how the boys adjust to this new brand of Basic Training, a la Tortorella!
MORE:
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- Photos: Bad Boys | Henrik Lundqvist | Sean Avery
- Complete New York Rangers Coverage
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