Alain Vigneault has been behind the bench for a handful of New York Rangers preseason games, and thus far he stayed true to his word about getting defensemen involved offensively.
Under John Tortorella, blueliners took limited offensive chances and consequently didn't generate a lot of offense. Vigneault is the antithesis of Tortorella in many respects and, this season, AV will bring some of the philosophies he used with the Vancouver Canucks to the Big Apple.
Earlier this summer, Ryan McDonagh spoke with Andrew Gross of The Record and emphasized how important it is for defensemen to get involved offensively.
I know I’ve got a responsibility in my own end first and foremost, said McDonagh, who has not yet spoken with Vigneault. But in this day and age, defensemen create second and third opportunities. I’m definitely trying to instill in my mind that I’ll step up and make those plays. I’m confident in myself and I see myself become even more of an all-around player.
Having gone through training camp and a handful of preseason games, Mc ...
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Article written by Tom Urtz Jr.