If there was any lingering doubt that the New York Rangers cannot be molded into the type of team coach John Tortorella wants, the trading deadline gave you your answer.
This is his team, and it's his way or the highway.
Just ask Marian Gaborik.
The Rangers made two major trades in the last two days. The first was a trade of a second round draft pick plus a conditional third rounder to San Jose for grinding enforcer Ryane Clowe.
The second was a bombshell, but not totally unexpected: Two-time 40 goal scorer Marian Gaborik was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets for center Derick Brassard, defensemen John Moore, and injured forward Derek Dorsett.
With these moves, the Rangers gave up a star player that didn't get along with his coach. He was also a man that is an elite scorer in the NHL going through a slump. What they got in return were grinding forwards. Forwards unafraid to defend and block shots, the two hallmarks of the 2011-12 Atlantic Division Championship team. Hallmarks severely lacking from the 2013 version.
The players general manager Glen Sather acquired appear to perfectly fit Tortorella's vision. Gaborik obviously did not buy in, and Torts did not hesitate to let him know about it.
Will the Rangers miss him? Yes. But as I type this, the newcomers have already paid dividends. The Rangers lead Pittsburgh 3-0 after the first period of tonight's game. They have dominated all phases of the game. They are hustling. They are hitting. And most importantly, they are defending and blocking shots. Oh, and Ryane Clowe has three points, including his first goal of the season.
It's only one period, so it's foolish to get too excited. We'll see if this shakeup sparks the Rangers to the playoffs and a long run.
But for now, so far so good, for the team John Tortorella wants on the ice.
If it fails, though, it's his job.
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