FOF tackles the question on so many Ranger fans' minds: is there a reason why Ron Low still is coach of the Rangers? And does it involve incriminating pictures of Glen Sather?

Well, the answer is yes, there's a reason why Low still has a job, however FOF doubts the blackmail argument, and instead ponders a bigger picture …

Puppetry of the Coach

A major reason for fan discontent is actually not Ron Low's fault: the ice time of undeserving veterans. It is the flippant mind that blames Low for the playing time of Zdeno Ciger, Igor Ulanov and other poorly chosen personnel. That fault lies with Glen Sather, who insisted on propping up his poor choices in order to maintain their trade value.

To some extent, Sather is exonerated, because Zdeno Ciger brought Matthew Barnaby, and Igor Ulanov was shipped off for Pavel Bure. On the other hand, the stunting and shipping of kids like Kloucek, Purinton, and Malhotra at their expense has been extremely disappointing.

But this about the coach, and it's fair to say that Ron Low didn't have a say in those ice times. That was always part of the deal - be Sather's puppet while he tinkers with the roster until it's better constructed.

Other Coaches

Name me another coach that would accept that type of arrangement? Not Ken Hitchcock, Pat Burns, Mike Keenan or any other personable coach. Ron Low was brought in to serve a purpose - do Sather's bidding until the team was ready to compete …

We're Almost Ready

With the recent acquisitions, and the expected off-season activity, it's safe to assume that next season is the target for success. From a business perspective, the playoffs are important this season; but from a hockey standpoint, next season is the date.

But We're Pathetically Coached

Anyone can see that a new coach would have a marked impact on the team's ability to make the playoffs. Every game we get out-coached.

Line matching. Breakouts and strategy. Penalty killing. You name it, we suffer.

The funniest (saddest?) quote from Poti's arrival was from Ron Low. When asked how long it would take Tom Poti to learn the Rangers' systems, Low replied no time at all, since it was basically the same as in Edmonton. Riiiight.

So Why Not Hire a New Coach Now?

Because FOF thinks our new coach is busy rehabbing his injured shoulder to play a few games before the end of the season.

Yes, that's right. We think Ron Low won't be fired before the end of the season because Sather already has our next coach picked out, and he's Mark Messier.

Now, it should be noted that Steve Boxer brought this up at the onset of the season, but since that means nothing to most of you, let me explain the pieces:

Sather's not stupid

Sather's NOT stupid. Arrogant, yes. But he knows that Low is being outcoached, so there must be a reason why he has not been replaced.

In his history as GM, Sather has not brought in high-profile coaches in Edmonton. He prefers "his" guys, and there are none types available.

In the GM Box

Hey, when you look in the GM box each game, do you notice the bald-headed man standing next to Glen? Yup, Mark Messier.

And when Glen Sather visited Edmonton before the trade deadline, guess which bald-headed man accompanied him on the trip? Nope, not Walt Kyle. It was Messier.

And who is the unchallenged voice of this team to whom every player is required to genuflect? Nope, not Teddy Green. Mark Messier.

So Why Not Take the Reins Now?

Well, two reasons.

One, taking the reins now is a losing proposition if our goal is really focused on next year. We're behind the Canadiens and the Sabres, and a whole new system would need to be implemented in more time than the team currently can allow. Messier will unlikely want to start his coaching career on a losing note.

Two, Messier likely wants to lace them up one more time before he takes them off for good.

So What's Next?

Well, if FOF is right, Messier will have a retirement party on the last game at MSG. It will mask the sting of another non-playoff year, and give MSG a feel-good moment to carry into the summer. Who knows - Sather may choose to retire Messier's jersey to really make the moment last.

And on that vibe, Messier can look to next season as coach.

Stay tuned …

-Gabe

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