Since everybody and his Uncle Dudley has been ripping on the Rangers, why should Mark Messier be left out?
Well, he hasn’t been, and that’s good to know. On last night’s ABC Networks Washington-Rangers telecast, the legendary Hall of Famer had a few pointed things to say about his former New York team. Mark was the dumpster and the Blueshirts were the dumpees.
Since the Blueshirts won the Presidents’ Trophy last season and have since visited the NHL’s version of Hades, Messier was asked in so many words, “Wha’ happen, Baby?”
“The core of the Rangers is fractured,” Moose explained. “Not internally, but there’s a disconnect between the management and coaching staff.”
The way The Maven interprets it, “management” includes owner Jim Dolan and club President and GM Chris Drury.
The coaching staff includes Peter Laviolette and his assistants, including Phil Housley and Michael Peca.
Messier went on: “There’s a lack of trust and loyalty now. In order to get out of it, it’s gonna take a lot of work.”
Okay, let’s stop for a moment because – as far as I’m concerned – Mess is being far too vague. For example:
* Is the “lack of trust” between Lavvy and Drury? Sounds like it but Messier should have named names.
* Who’s being “disloyal?” Is it defenseman Zac Jones for beefing to the media about lack of ice time? Or is it someone else? Once again Mark is faulty in his vagueness.
“This is not a championship team now,” he insisted but then offered hope. “They can overcome it but that will take a lot of work; a lot of trust.”
Mark then harked back to his Edmonton playing days when – he noted – a similar situation took place of which the Rangers reminded him.
“We had it (disagreements) with the Oilers,” he concluded, “but we were able to work them out.”
Ahh! So here’s the key: The Oilers were able to work them out because they had a strong leader – Mark Messier.
Alas, the Rangers have nothing of the kind!
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