Friday is here and along with it comes "Ask The Maven." Today's question is from Joe Demling in Jersey City. Take it away, Joe: SINCE MANY SOURCES PREDICT THAT PETER LAVIOLETTE WILL BE FIRED AT THE END OF THE SEASON WHO WOULD YOU SAY IS THE BEST CANDIDATE TO COACH THE RANGERS?
The Maven's Answer: There's no question that the best by far coach from all competitive angles is Joel Quenneville. He's experienced, well liked and a Stanley Cup-winner. Although he was reinstated by the NHL last July, no franchise has signed him and the reasons are obvious; fear of a public relations backlash based on the problems he had in Chicago. I say his chances for the Rangers job are 70-30 against.
As for other possibilities, they include the following in no special order.
* MARK MESSIER: From a purely p.r. point of view, Mess would be the natural. He's still a beloved figure but without pro coaching experience, there's little likelihood he'd get the gig. ODDS: 80-20 against.
* JOHN TORTORELLA: Like Messier, Torts is an admired figure in The Apple but two things mitigate against him: 1. John has told friends that his Philly gig is his last; 2. Been here, done that; MSG would prefer a fresh face. ODDS: 90-10 against.
* BRUCE BOUDREAU: No question, Double B would love to give New York a shot. He's got the personality and the experience and knows the league inside out. But age is against him and that's big in this case. ODDS: 65-35 against.
* DAVID CARLE: The Denver mentor is a hot item but lacks NHL head coaching experience. The Rangers already got burned with a collegian and may not want to go that route again. On the other hand, The Garden high command just might decide to give it a try. ODDS: 50-50.
* JAY PANDOLFO: They love him at Boston University and New Englander Jay might want to stay at BU. But he's been behind the bench with the Bruins and has all the right buttons pressed. The fact that he's mostly NHL identified as a Devil should not interfere. Jay would be my choice and I wouldn't be surprised if the MSGers have checked him out already. ODDS: 70-30 in Pando's favor.
* MIKE SULLIVAN: If the longtime Penguins bench boss gets fired in Pittsburgh – a definite possibility – I predict that the Rangers have him at the very top of the list. ODDS: 80-20 in Sully's favor.