AP Photo |
Sources have told The Post that Tortorella’s contract, originally due to expire after this season, was extended a couple of months ago.Everyone has their qualms with John Tortorella, including myself, but as I have said in the past, he is the reason the Rangers were able to overachieve this season and get into the playoffs with a roster that wasn't necessarily suited to do so. He helped the team to establish an hard-working identity and although it wasn't the prettiest product of hockey that this team played, it was effective and made them a tougher opponent than in years past.
Garden and Rangers executives cited policy in declining comment, but it is believed that the extension will cover the next three seasons. Tortorella, who was hired on Feb. 23, 2009, has taken the Blueshirts to the playoffs twice in three years, but his teams have gone out in the first round both times, and both times to the Capitals.
Players like Brian Boyle, Brandon Prust and Brandon Dubinsky, all who had breakout seasons this year, at some point gave some credit to Tortorella for their success. On the flip side, many say that the grinding system did not compliment the game of the more highly skilled players such as Marian Gaborik. However, Tortorella had to work with the majority here, not the minority, and let's face it, most of this year's team was made up of third and fourth liners.
If the Blueshirts do happen to acquire a Brad Richards in the offseason, the system will adjust accordingly and I can almost guarantee that. Tortorella is not a one-dimensional coach, it is just that he coaches according to what is available to him. A highly skilled bunch was not available to him this season, but he still managed to make the most of it.
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