The message delivered by David Quinn throughout his rookie NHL head coaching season was loud. A year later, it is clear Quinn’s approach will have to be more nuanced, for more will be expected of him and the Rangers this time around.
Make no mistake. While overseeing development of the Yoots of Broadway was an important component of Quinn’s assignment coming out of Boston University, the coach had a mandate to restore the Blueshirts’ work ethic and attention to practice detail after steady slippage in both areas the past couple of years under the previous regime, headed by Alain Vigneault.