The Rangers’ new sheriff in town has introduced a different way of doing things at the rink.
“I think the No. 1 thing is that the systems are a lot simpler,” Ryan Strome said Thursday when asked about the changes that have occurred under the peaceful transfer of power from former head coach David Quinn to incumbent Gerard Gallant. “It’s not rocket science what we’re doing out there, it’s just about executing it. I think it creates a little less thinking out there.
“Even from the first game we had the other night, what [Gallant] expects and demands on the bench isn’t anything no one’s capable of. It’s keep pucks out of the middle, chip it in and chip it out, don’t beat yourselves and support the puck. Other than that, it’s kind of go out there and play.
“I think that takes a lot of the thinking out of the game from guys and lets our instincts take over. I think our team is a team with great instincts and when we’re able to apply that within the system he has put in place, that’s when you have the chance to be successful.”
Gallant also has taken more of a laissez-faire approach to the room than did his predecessor. As Strome tells it, it seems as if Gallant’s approach is similar in that regard to Alain Vigneault, the current Flyers’ coach who was behind the Rangers’ bench for five seasons, from 2013-18.
“You don’t really see [Gallant] around the rink, you see him on the ice. He runs the practice, he and his staff have done a good job getting pre-organized quick on the ice and then that’s it, you don’t see him,” said the Strome, the second-line center. “That’s a little bit different, but everyone’s got their own style, right, and guys respond differently. So far it’s been good.
“I think the good thing about the way it is now is that it puts a little more ownership on us. I think the older guys have more responsibility to make sure guys are doing the right things. If you looked in the gym today, there was a workout before practice and every single guy was there. Guys have done a great job of pushing each other and setting the tone. When we go on the ice, [Gallant] takes over and it’s been good.
“It’s just a matter of responding to the way he coaches. He’s the boss, so learn his tendencies, learn what he wants, what he expects in practice and go out there and execute.”
The approach is different, the tone is different and so is the tone of the coach’s voice during drills. But so, too, is the theme. You don’t hear every day about how young everyone is. You don’t get a count of how many 21-and-unders are on the ice. The rebuilding may still be in force, but that no longer defines the Rangers.
“I’m sure most guys have reiterated the same message,” Strome said. “I think it’s been a pretty upbeat atmosphere, an upbeat camp, everyone seems to be in a really, really positive mindset, which is nice. You come to the rink and there’s a great energy and excitement for every day and for that first game.”
Strome, who is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent following the season, is entering the third year of his premier partnership with Artemi Panarin. The plan is for them to be joined by Kaapo Kakko.
“It’s just a matter of getting comfortable. I think we’re trying to do a better job at camp and the preseason games to be talking to each other more,” Strome said. “But honestly, I think it’s the responsibility of me and Bread a little bit too to make things click.
“I don’t think it’s just saying, you know, ‘Kaapo has to click with us.’ I think it’s vice-versa. That’s one thing we’ve talked about especially in the preseason, I’ve told him, ‘When you get the puck, shoot it.’ Let’s get confidence, let’s get a bit of a mojo going, let’s feel it. I think it’s everyone’s job to make it work.”
The Rangers have missed the playoffs for the past four years. Five straight would be one too many.
“I think there’s a chip on all our shoulders to be successful. We have a bunch of guys who have been here together now for a few years and we want to take that next step,” Strome said. “It’s such a cliché, but going home and watching the playoffs, it just sucks. I think we have so much talent in that dressing room and have added some intangibles and some parts, we want to be in those games.
“It’s all about the team, it’s all about getting to the playoffs. It’s all about being the best we can be. I think everyone has that common goal.”