Mike Keenan - New York Rangers Angel or Demon

Mike Keenan – New York Rangers’ angel or demon?

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 08: Former New York Ranger head coach Mike Keenan meets with the media prior to the Rangers game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Madison Square Garden on February 08, 2019 in New York City. The Rangers were celebrating the 25th anniversary of their Stanley Cup win in 1994. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

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Mark Messier of the Edmonton Oilers /

What came before

With Brian Leetch, Mike Gartner, Tony Amonte, Darren Turcotte, and the addition of Adam Graves, New York’s roster was fairly loaded before they traded for Mark Messier in 1991, with not just one but two solid netminders, John Vanbiesbrouck and Mike Richter.

John Vanbiesbrouck #34 and Brian Leetch #2 of the New York Rangers (Photo by Graig Abel/Getty Images) /

The Rangers consistently made the playoffs but could never seal the deal, getting knocked out twice each by the Capitals,1990 and 1991, and Penguins, 1989 and again in 1992 after winning the Presidents Trophy. They lacked something that was necessary to make it to the pinnacle.

But as disappointing as those failures were, the next year would be even worse.

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