TORTORELLA FOR JACK ADAMS

Though he has a reputation for his temper and fire, John Tortorella should certainly be a finalist for the Jack Adams award, coach of the year, for his success with the Rangers. I agree with the NHL's choices of Dan Bylsma (Penguins) and Barry Trotz (Predators), but I disagree with the choice of Alain Vigneault (Canucks). Vigneault coached a team with 5 players who had more than 50 points, 3 with over 70. They also had 7 players who were over +15. It is safe to say  they didn't lack fire power, unlike the Rangers who only had 1 player who had more than 50 points and 1 player who was over +15.

More importantly, Tortorella got the most out of his players, even some who had been written off as busts and some who were considered too young or inexperienced for the NHL. Two of these players who had been written off were former 1st round pick Brian Boyle and Brandon Prust. Boyle's career high in goals before this year was 4. This year, his fourth, he scored 21. This was the first time he showed his first round promise. Prust's previous career high in goals was also 4.  This year he scored 13. Both played very well on the defensive side of the puck, too. The success that Prust and Boyle had can both be attributed to the increased faith - as shown in minutes on the ice - shown by John Tortorella.

Two other players also made names for themselves with Tortorella's help, both rookies - D-man Ryan McDonagh, and Center Derek Stepan. McDonagh became a steady force on defense for the Rangers, teaming up with another kid, Michael Sauer, as a highly effective defensive pairing, while Stepan made his presence felt immediately, with a hat trick in his first NHL game. He went on to score 21 goals during his rookie season. The amazing part was that both of these players were in college less than a year prior to their debuts. A lot of the credit for their success can be given to John Tortorella, who did an amazing job managing their ice time.

Though I believe Tortorella deserves to be among the finalist for this award, I'm in the minority. I tweeted my opinion to several reporters who cover the Rangers, and they thought differently.

Andrew Gross of the Bergen Record in New Jersey tweeted back, "I think he did a heck of a job with this group but, no, I wouldn't put him in the top three for Jack Adams."

Arthur Staple of Newsday tweeted "Debatable... Did he do a better job than Boucher and Bylsma? Not sure about that."

Adam Rotter of SNY tweeted "he was considered one at one point, but then they struggled down the stretch. He was probably top 5."