Since everyone and his Uncle Dudley are going after the Rangers, why should Mark Messier be left out?
Well, it wasn’t, and that’s good to know. On ABC Networks’ Washington-Rangers show last night, the legendary Hall of Famer had a few specific things to say about his former New York team. Mark was the dumpster and the Blueshirts were the dumpers.
Since the Blueshirts won the Presidents’ Trophy last season and have since visited the NHL version of Hades, Messier has been asked in simple terms: “What happened, baby?”
“The core of the Rangers is fractured,” Moose said. “Not internally, but there is a disconnect between management and the coaching staff.”
According to The Maven’s interpretation, the “management” includes owner Jim Dolan and club president and general manager Chris Drury.
The coaching staff includes Peter Laviolette and his assistants, including Phil Housley and Michael Peca.
Messier continued: “There is a lack of trust and loyalty now. To get out of this, it’s going to take a lot of work.”
Okay, let’s stop for a moment because – as far as I’m concerned – Mess is way too vague. For example:
* Is it the “lack of trust” between Lavvy and Drury? It looks like that, but Messier should have mentioned names.
*Who is “disloyal”? Was it defenseman Zac Jones who insisted to the media about the lack of ice time? Or is it someone else? Once again, Mark is lacking in his vagueness.
“It’s not a champion team at the moment,” he insisted, before giving hope. “They can overcome this, but it will take a lot of work; a lot of trust.”
Mark then recalled his playing days in Edmonton when – he noted – a similar situation occurred, which the Rangers reminded him of.
“We had disagreements with the Oilers,” he concluded, “but we managed to resolve them.”
Ahh! So here’s the key: the Oilers were able to solve them because they had a strong leader – Mark Messier.
Alas, Rangers have nothing of the sort!
