Alain Vigneault was officially introduced today as the Rangers coach. Heading in to the press conference, there was some speculation that players and/or management would be there, with those who did and did not attend enabling us to read the tea leaves and gather some information for the future.

Of course, the best laid plans of mice and men went awry, as none of the players were there, so we couldn't get a sense as to the future for Brad Richards. However, besides Glen Sather and James Dolan, aka the "dynamic duo," it was pointed out to me that Jim Schonfeld and Jeff Gorton were in attendance, just not on the stag, making Mark Messier's absence noteworthy. It recently was reported that Messier was disappointed in not getting the job, as Dolan/Sather went for experience rather than the emotional choice or a big name. His absence could mean the end of his tenure with the Rangers or possibly that he just didn't want to show up and take away the spotlight from the new coach; time will tell on that.

Vigneault did show his aplomb with the media, which will play well given that they were used to the Torts' style of running the show and allowing them in when he felt like it. The one thing Vigneault did share is that he will allow his top players leeway, which should be manna to the ears of Nash, Brassard, Stepan, Hagelin, Kreider and Del Zotto.

In addition, Dolan and Vigneault said all the right things about the goal being the Stanley Cup and Vigneault being the one to hopefully lead the Blueshirts there. I was impressed that Dolan noted the work that John Tortorella had done with the current squad. As we all, the ironic twist of fate is that the two coaches may be switching teams and coasts, though I have to admit, I didn't see Torts fitting in Vancouver, but if that does come to fruition, the player he will love and who fits his style the best is Ryan Kesler. Of course, he could revert to safe is death as he uses in Tampa Bay, which suits the current squad there better.

Today is the dawn of a new beginning. New coach. New style of play. And hopefully a new Cup banner hanging from the rafters of MSG.

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