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On May 23 in NYR history: David Quinn hired out of college ranks

By Steve Paulus

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 16: David Quinn, head coach of the New York Rangers handles bench duties during the game against the Colorado Avalanche at Madison Square Garden on October 16, 2018 in New York City. The Rangers defeated the Avalanche 3-2 in the shootout. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 16: David Quinn, head coach of the New York Rangers handles bench duties during the game against the Colorado Avalanche at Madison Square Garden on October 16, 2018 in New York City. The Rangers defeated the Avalanche 3-2 in the shootout. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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What happened on May 23 in the history of the New York Rangers

On this date in 2018, the New York Rangers introduced David Quinn as the new head coach of the rebuilding franchise.  Quinn became the 35th man to lead the team, signing a five-year, $12 million contract, replacing Alain Vigneault who had coached the team for five years.

Quinn was recruited for Boston University where he had been had coach for five years, replacing he legendary Jack Parker in 2013.  Quinn ‘s college credentials were excellent, leading the Terriers to the Frozen Four title game in 2015.   The Rangers picked Quinn because of their need for a coach who would be able to mentor a young team.

Quinn lasted three years as head coach with the Rangers never making the playoffs, but coming close.   Quinn was the beneficiary of two consecutive draft lottery wins with the Rangers getting the number two and number one picks in 2019 and 2020.

A year ago, although they remained in playoff contention till the last weeks of the season, they were intimidated and embarrassed by the Islanders and Capitals in late  season games.   Quinn was let go in a managerial bloodbath that included the firings of President John Davidson and General Manager Jeff Gorton.

A bleak outlook  in an epic series

On this date in 1994, the fate of the Rangers looked bleak when they dropped a 4-1 decision to the New Jersey Devils at Madison Square Garden, falling behind 3-2 in their Eastern  Conference Finals series.

Losing Game Five meant the Rangers would have to tie the series on the road in Newark and win a Game Seven at the Garden.

The game was never in doubt for the Devils. They took the lead in the first period on a shorthanded goal by ex-Ranger Bernie Nicholls and added three more goals in the third period before Sergei Zubov scored to avoid the shutout.

The loss set up the famous Messier guarantee game two days later.

Today’s birthdays

19 NHL players have been born on May 23 with one a former New York Ranger.

Bryan Hextall was born on this date in1941 in Winnipeg, Manitoba.  He is the son of Hall of Famer Bryan Hextall Sr. who played 11 years for the Rangers.  Hextall Jr. was signed by the Rangers and made his NHL debut in 1962-63, playing 21 games, but unable to emulate his father and score.   He played three years for the Rangers farm team in Baltimore before he was claimed by California in the expansion draft.  He played eight years in the NHL, twice exceeding 20 goals in a season for the Penguins.  He is the father of former NHL goalie and current Pittsburgh GM Ron Hextall.

The numbers

Playoff games: 3
Wins: 0
Losses: 2
Overtime wins: 1
Winning percentage: 43%

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