Rangers are now sellers

[Yeti]

It was reported in various newspapers that Sather wanted three straight wins against NYI, NJ and Montreal in order to delay a fire sell.

They won against the Isles but are crashing right now against the Devils (6-2 in the second).

They are officially sellers now but I don't see anything for us. Huge contracts for the next few years.

At one point, many people wanted Sather as the Habs GM (well, anyone but Houle). Pheeew, it didn't happen.

[jkr]

Sather has been riding on his reputation since he got to NY. He had 4-5 years to build a winner but hasn't come close with one of the biggest budgets in the league. He doesn't seem to get it . When his team needed defense & goaltending he talks to Washington about Jagr instead of Kolzig or Gonchar.

I can't see anything there for the Habs either but the Rangers could make it interesting aroound deadline time. Will Sather take the big public relations hit and trade Leetch? Will John Muckler & Matthew Barnaby be reunited? Stay tuned.

[M. Beaux-Eaux]

Sather is living in the past; and with each passing season validates that it was the chemistry between the Oilers supremely talented players rather than his coaching or managerial skills that brought success to Edmonton.

The emperor be buck nekkid, ladies and gents.

[Disgruntled70sHab]

Mr. said:

Sather is living in the past; and with each passing season validates that it was the chemistry between the Oilers supremely talented players rather than his coaching or managerial skills that brought success to Edmonton.

Honestly, Mr.B, the players from that young dynasty give oodles of credit for Sather building and maintaining that chemistry. Sather took an active interest in his players not only on the ice, but off the ice as well. He got them involved in training for a post-hockey life; he brought in financial counselers, assisted with family problems, etc. He really did provide a father type of figure to these young players.

However, he did all of these things when he was a coach mainly. I haven't looked up the stats, but I don't think he was anywhere near as successful as a GM as he was a coach.

That aside, Sather had immense talent to work with, but unlike his present situation, all of those players were young, impressionable and moldable. Right now, he has talented, but older players to deal with. He can try all he wants, but if some of these older, wealthier players don't want to comply to what he suggests, he's stuck. In fact, many of his "stars" came to NY already millionaires. With all of that money on his team, building chemistry is difficult.

In contrast, the only real millionaire to come to the Oilers was Gretzky (I think). Many of the others became millionaires as their team became more successful.

Anyway, I think Sather did a great job during the early years in Edmonton. Sure he had the talent, but then again so did Bowman I guess. But Bowman didn't do for his players what Sather did for his; Sather actually gave a hoot.

Cheers.