New York Rangers: New and Old Faces Seek Fresh Start On Island

It's been quite a week and a half for the New York Rangers. Beginning with the firing of head coach Tom Renney last Monday and the acquisitions of Sean Avery, Nik Antropov, and Derek Morris, much about this team has drastically changed.

New head coach John Tortorella inherited a team in siege mode having slumped to the bottom of the Eastern Conference playoff race. Torts, whose coaching style is night and day from his predecessor, had limited time to implement his philosophy before facing back-to-back games against Toronto and Florida.

In both games, the Rangers had a little more edge in their game, but still failed to score goals in dropping back to back 2-1 decisions. Tortorella notched his first win as Rangers coach this past Saturday when the Blueshirts blitzed the Colorado Avalanche for a 6-1 victory at Madison Square Garden.

The Rangers return to the ice tonight after a four-game rest on Long Island against their rivals, the New York Islanders. During that four-day span, the team underwent what's been reported as a "training camp-like" series of workouts under their new coach.

This was an important chance to learn and grow for a team getting used to a new system. In Tortorella's first four days, the team played three games with only one opportunity to practice. For their part, the players seemed to enjoy the chance to get to learn their new coach and system.

“It’s been a fun week, and we’ve done a lot of great things here around the rink,”  Brandon Dubinsky told Jim Cerney of newyorkrangers.com. “I think we just kind of got back that swagger, that confidence this team needs. With all these changes it’s been exciting, and we feel good about ourselves.”

Tonight's game will also mark the return of Sean Avery to the Rangers lineup. Avery, who left the club and signed a free agent deal with the Dallas Stars after two popular years in New York, couldn't be happier with the opportunity.

“It certainly felt comfortable and warm and just exciting,” Avery said. “It was like Christmas, running down the stairs before you get the presents.”

Key Rangers players, such as goalie Henrik Lundqvist and captain Chris Drury, strongly endorsed the move. At practice yesterday, Avery skated with the third line forwards but coach John Tortorella has said he hasn't decided where Avery will play yet.

Yesterday's deadline acquisitions Nik Antropov and Derek Morris are also expected to be in the lineup tonight on the Island. 

Antropov, acquired from Toronto for draft picks, is expected to bring size and scoring to the offense. At 6'6 and 230 pounds, and with 21 goals this season, the Rangers hope Antropov will add much to an anemic offense.

Derek Morris, acquired from Phoenix, is a bruising defenseman who will add a physical element lacking on the Rangers blueline.

For the Rangers, tonight will be a fresh start in many ways.  New coach, new players and as all blueshirts hope, new results.