Jimbo1119
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 1,810
Likes: 760
If NYR go down in the playoffs- and especially if they get ousted early- I think the coaching staff will be in for more of a shakeup than the players. Don't see Gallant going anywhere anytime soon...but I can see him getting forced to replace an assistant coach or two. Some of the biggest challenges NYR have are related to inconsistent D zone coverage/awareness and getting the forwards to commit to team defense. At times, it all comes together and NYR look to be a Cup contender...when it falls apart, NYR can be easy to play against. So if they fall short- this is most likely their undoing. Putting it on the backs of LaF or Kakko would be a big mistake. Both these guys are coming along nicely. Both still have a ramp in front of them. And even if one or both don't reach expectations- as long as they are paid in line with their production, both are contributors to any NHL team.