In Tom Renney We Trust: Hope for the New York Rangers

There's still hope for the New Yorks Rangers this season—despite the mediocre offense, inconsistent play, and persistent trade rumors.

That hope lies ultimately with the players, who are certainly good enough to make a run to the top of the standings. But behind the Blueshirts stands their motivational, well-spoken coach, Tom Renney.

The numbers don't lie about Renney's knowledge of the game.

As coach of the WHL's Kamloops Blazers, Renney led the team to consecutive league titles, along with a Memorial Cup as the Canadian Hockey League's best team. He finished his WHL career with a 101-37-6 record—good for a .714 winning percentage, which is still the highest ever in the CHL.

It doesn't end there. Renney went on to coach the Canadian National Team to an Olympic silver medal in the 1994 games in Lillehammer, Norway. NHL players didn't participate in the tournament, making the accomplishment that much more signifigant, as many of the European teams still had access to their superstars.

In 10 world championship competitions, Renney has captured more medals than a juiced-up Marion Jones—three golds, three silvers, and two bronzes.

It's well known that Renney likes his assistant coaces to be well-educated both on the game and in life in general. It's also evident he likes his players to follow suit.

Yes, I second guess Renney sometimes when Nigel Dawes (five goals in 21 games) sits in favour of Petr Prucha (two goals in 35 games)...but all the coach does is shrug his shoulders as his team beats up on the Carolina Hurricanes 4-2.

In the end, this Ranger team will likely make the dance this year.

And no, it won't be because Jaromir Jagr catches fire playing with Scott Gomez.

And no, it won't be because Chris Drury gets back to scoring game-winning goals.

And no, it won't be because Henrik Lundqvist is hotter than an XBox 360 at Christmas time.

It will simply be because Tom Renney can unite a team of 22 players with 22 different egos, and motivate them to win 16 games from March to June.

Aren't you glad I didn't write about the John-Michael Liles rumour?