“It’s the start of a new era. We’re 0-0. It’s a 21-game season,” said team captain Chris Drury about the New York Rangers as they began their “second season” under new Coach John Tortorella.
Their new coach comes to the team with a reputation of breathing fire-and-brimstone, although few of the players have any history with Tortorella. Defenseman Paul Mara played for the coach during three seasons at Tampa Bay.
The Lightning fired the coach at the end of last season. This year he has been working with TSN, the Canadian Television Sports Network, as a hockey commentator.
It’s a safe hockey bet that he added some “color” to that commentary.
Tortorella brings a hard-nosed philosophy to the Rangers at a time when the team is in disarray. The record of his tenure at Tampa reveals that he expects the most from his players… and that he will give his best to them.
