Still could be easily. But no point in letting one of those happen when the man who was coach showed no signs of trying to change things. The person making that decision is the one responsible for the roster moves, and that pretty likely will end up the same. We'll see. I'm much more hopeful about AV coaching this team next year than I would have been Tortorella.
By the way, this is why I'm a huge fan of separating GM and Team President responsibilities. Layers of accountability are important.
Oddly, some Vancouver fans had the same complaint about Vigneault's lack of changing tactics. Even if Torts had changed tactics, don't you think that things could have gotten worse and not better?
The Rangers will always do pretty well as long as Lundqvist is here. Even when they are outplayed, he will more often than not keep them in the game.
Combine that with a defensively-disciplined team, which they certainly were under Torts, and it will be rare that they get blown out.
I still believe that there just is not enough offensive creativity in this roster. Aside from McDonagh, no defenseman has displayed that they might be able to become an offensive force. That might change under a new coach, but if it doesn't there will be even more of a shooting gallery on Hank than we are used to seeing if they go with a less disciplined defensive style.
The other strength of the team is skating. They have some fine ones. If they open it up with these guys and some of them improve, no doubt the Rangers will contend for a Cup. However, two years ago they were a major contender for the Cup, as well, so Torts didn't exactly sh** the bed either.
By the way, as to puck possession, that is an individual skill. Jagr is great at it. Dubinsky was great at it. He clearly learned from Jagr. Watching the playoffs showed many players who are good at it. I don't see that many Rangers who are that good at it.