Rangers 5
Panthers 2
Fundamentally, those fans chanting for Glen Sather’s dismissal are wasting their breath.
Because well before the breath of fresh air that was last night’s 5-2 Ranger victory over the Panthers in Jaromir Jagr’s Garden debut, Jim Dolan had committed to retaining Sather in his dual position as GM and coach at least through the remainder of this season -no ifs, ands or buts about it.
The Garden CEO, who met with Sather yesterday morning, communicated that decision to the press during the first intermission, and then, The Post has learned, to the team itself in a postgame locker-room address in which he articulated his confidence in both the coach and the squad.
“I firmly believe we have the right guy to lead the team [as coach] through the end of the season,” Dolan said in the press briefing. “I believe he has not lost the players, and believe if he did, he would disqualify himself.
“We met [yesterday] morning, I expressed my confidence in him and he expressed his ability to do it. Nobody is happy with the last seven to 10 days, but I don’t believe we should make a knee-jerk reaction to a bad week-and-a-half. Certainly there are issues, but I believe the team has to look inside itself for the answers, and the best person to help them do that is Glen Sather.
“I remain confident in him and his system.”
Dolan, who said, “I don’t see this as a Knicks situation,” in reference to the recent dismissals of GM Scott Layden and coach Don Chaney, also praised Sather’s work as GM, citing his “rebuild” of the organization and draft record.
Sather, who referred to, “a lot of controversy and tension on the team,” expressed appreciation for Dolan’s endorsement, one that is far more meaningful than the dreaded vote of confidence. There’s no doubt: Dolan likes him, he really likes him.
“It’s nice to have support from the person who owns the organization and runs it,” Sather said. “It’s nice to know somebody thinks I’m still capable of doing something.”
The coach last night constructed lines that made perfect sense. He moved Eric Lindros between Jagr and Martin Rucinsky, thus forming a first line that, if it clicks, is as formidable as anybody’s.
He moved Bobby Holik -whom he publicly chastised, and intends to meet with today because of No. 16’s “I believe fundamentally we are the worst team in the NHL” comment following Saturday’s 9-1 loss in Ottawa -between Chris Simon and Jamie Lundmark to form a quasi checking unit.
He reunited Petr Nedved, Alex Kovalev and Jan Hlavac, while slotting Mark Messier between Jed Ortmeyer and Matt Barnaby to form a four-line rotation.
Jagr, who had a goal and two assists in 20:50 of ice, got better on every shift, as he began carrying the puck with authority, going to the net, taking advantage of the space Lindros created for him. His goal at 0:33 of the second that gave the Blueshirts a 3-1 lead came on a rebound in front after Lindros had barreled to the net from the left wing.
When the goal was announced, the Garden fans rose to their feet and gave Jagr an ovation, just as they did when he took a small spin after being named the first star.
The cheers, in fact, were just what Dolan had ordered.