Rangers name Muckler as new coach

Rangers roster

The 64-year old Muckler has lot of experience having coached the Edmonton Oilers in their heyday in the 80s and the Buffalo Sabres more recently. Muckler promised a mix of "run and gun" and "trap" styles to kick-start the team that has NHL's highest payroll, but wouldn't make the playoffs if they started today.

"I look at John as one of the best all-around hockey people I've ever met," general manager Neil Smith said. "We've fortified our staff for the future of the club."

"The issue was, simply, that without this change we were on a spiral right out," Smith said. "We may still be out of the playoffs. We still have a rough hill to climb."

Muckler sounded excited about his new job. "They're a better hockey team than they've shown. I think they have a good nucleus with Brian Leetch, Mike Richter, Wayne Gretzky and Pat LaFontaine. Those are some of the best in the business. I'm looking forward to having some fun coaching them."

Leetch and Richter have especially struggled this season. Richter's poor performance in the Olympics gives no reason to believe that he is improving. The Rangers have a tough job ahead.