Reflecting on David Quinn’s time in New York as he returns to MSG
By Marvin Azrak
For all the talk about the limitations he imposed on the teenagers, Quinn mainly didn’t force issues, allowing things to play themselves, standing firm to the organization’s plea;” Let the kids play.”
The 2018-19 campaign saw players blossom despite the struggles the 32-36-14 record endured. Mika Zibanejad enjoyed a breakout season, pacing the team with 74 points, and earned the admiration of linemate Chris Kreider. It started both an on and off-ice bond that has since come a long way.
Paramount to a new coach gaining respect is how they handle locker rooms in times of distress, which wasn’t an easy task for Quinn to take. Management was still going through the rebuild, fulfilling the letter’s intentions of fan favorites being dealt away.
The trade deadline saw a flurry of moves by the Rangers, including the shipment of Matt’s Zuccarello to the Dallas Stars, a close friend of goaltender Henrik Lundqvist, who was emotionally in tears in the locker room. The players were walking on eggshells wondering who would be the next one out the door, but to Quinn’s credit, he kept the room’s focus geared towards playing well out on the ice.
Two days later, the next domino fell as Kevin Hayes was traded to the Winnipeg Jets, making way for Quinn’s new understudies; 21-year-old defenseman Adam Fox, who was acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes, and 25-year-old defenseman Jacob Trouba, acquired from the Jets for Neil Pionk.
019-2020 season was mediocre, but it unlocked previously untapped potential in players such as Ryan Strome, Toney Deangelo, Adam Fox, and a goaltender named Igor Shesterkin.
Quinn paired new free agent acquisition Artemi Panarin with Strome, and the two instantly clicked, becoming one of the league’s deadliest duos that season. Zibanejad led the team with 41 goals, Deangelo went for a career-high 53 points, and Fox made his NHL debut.
However, Quinn’s biggest test came in the goal where “King Henrik” resided. The Blueshirts were spiraling and needed a jolt, which the young netminder in Shesterkin provided when he made his debut on January 7th of that year.
The 24-year-old Shesterkin won that night against the Colorado Avalanche, making 29 saves on 32 shots rejuvenating the fanbase, and it reflected in their play. Quinn rode with the burgeoning goalie, and Igor had an excellent rookie season, though injuries marred it. He finished with a 10-2-0 record with a 2.52 goals-against average and a .932 save percentage. Most importantly, the team jelled and vaulted into playoff contention before the season was paused due to the pandemic.
When play resumed, the Rangers were outclassed, overmatched, and outcoached, as the Hurricanes swept them in the Stanley Cup playoff qualifying round, which marked the beginning of the end for David Quinn as the team’s bench boss.