NBC “Inside the Glass” analyst Pierre McGuire talks about the type of coach the Rangers should pursue, John Tortorella’s future and the NHL’s conference finals with The Post’s Justin Terranova.
Q: What kind of coach do you think the Rangers should be looking for?
A: I would prefer for the Rangers to get a real progressive, offensive-minded coach. They have learned their lessons well on how to block shots, how to play defense. They have to find a way to be better on the power play, more creative offensively, they need to play more attack-oriented going forward especially after the big trade with Blue Jackets.
Q: Do you think Tortorella will coach again?
A: I do. I think he’s got the right ideology, the right organizational standards, he knows how to push people just to the brink. So, I do think John will get another chance and I don’t think he’ll have to wait long for another chance. Listen, he doesn’t always get along with everybody, but I’ll tell you this: He knows how to coach and coaching is not a popularity contest. Coaching is about winning and results.
Q: Is there anything separating these four teams remaining in the conference finals?
A: Actually, no. I think it’s going to be that tight. Obviously, goaltending could be a decisive factor and Jonathan Quick has been spectacular. He’s rounding into form after offseason surgery, but I think Corey Crawford proved against Detroit that he’s up to the task. Pittsburgh-Boston will come down to four-line balance.
Q: When a team is on a playoff roll like the Kings, how much of a factor does that become?
A: Any time you are the defending champion and you’ve been down that road and know how to slay the dragon, it helps a lot. It gives you a reference point to go back to if things aren’t going well for you in the series. But Chicago can take a lot out of their Stanley Cup win in 2010. They are a proud group with one of the best young leaders in Jonathan Toews.
Q: The Penguins (vs. Islanders) and Bruins (vs. Maple Leafs) both struggled in the first round before dominating in last series. What was the difference with each team?
A: For Boston, after they got past Toronto they had a surge of confidence and energy. And their fourth line just dominated the Rangers. For Pittsburgh, Ottawa was not in their weight class. They got a nice, little slap in the face from the Islanders, who are a very good team going forward and they responded to that.
