Scotty's Split Squad Selections

The Rangers will have a seven game preseason schedule this fall. In most cases the players that dress the final few exhibition games are essentially the ones that take the ice opening night but that doesn't seem likely this time around. The Blueshirts are playing four games in five nights in four different countries.



During his online chat today, New York Rangers writer Jim Cerny told me, "the expectation is that Rangers will bring a large roster to Europe, maybe not two full squads, but my guess is 30 or so players...final cuts, I would expect, will take place there..."



I tried to figure out a way to hit all of them and let me tell you, it isn't easy. While I may not have the resources that the Rangers have, it would still be very tough for the team to bounce from the Czech Republic to Sweden to Slovakia to Switzerland in that short of a time span. Unlike you or I, if they wanted to the Rangers can be in two places at the same time - they can split the squad like baseball teams do every spring. Prague to Bratislava is a three hour drive, Gothenburg to Zug is about four hours total - plane to Zurich, train or bus to Zug.



They may very well go with one expanded side but, for argument's sake, here is a look at two teams that the Rangers can ice based on the various marketing needs and desires of the coaching staff and the situations.

Team Blue

Ruslan Fedotenko-Brad Richards-Marian Gaborik

Wojtek Wolski-Erik Christensen-Christian Thomas

Mike Rupp-Brian Boyle-Brandon Prust

Sean Avery-Chad Kolarik-Dale Weise



Marc Staal-Dan Girardi

Michael Del Zotto-Steve Eminger

Mikhail Pashnin-Tomas Kundratek



Martin Biron/Chad Johnson/Scott Stajcer

Team Blue would be the side that plays the pair of games in the former Czechoslovakia. For PR/ethnic purposes, you have a Slovak in Gabby and a Czech in Kundratek, not to mention Wolski and Fedotenko who are from the nearby Poland and Ukraine respectively. Yes, Wolski grew up in Canada but surely the Poles are proud of him - after all, the top Polish NHLers were former Islander Mariusz Czerkawski and former Ranger Krzysztof Oliwa (remember him?). On the hockey side of things you have the three top left wing candidates for the first line around to rotate and try to find chemistry. MDZ and Christian Thomas could get some power play time with Richards and Gabby and the Henrik-less goaltending has the top D pairing to help defend. You also have protection in Rupp, Prust and Weise against the more physical of the foreign sides the Rangers are facing.

Team White

Brandon Dubinsky-Artem Anisimov-Ryan Callahan

Carl Hagelin-Derek Stepan-Mats Zuccarello

Andreas Thuresson-Oscar Lindberg-Jasper Fasth

Andrew Yogan-John Mitchell-Ryan Bourque



Ryan McDonagh-Mike Sauer

Tim Erixon-Jyri Niemi

Pavel Valentenko-Wade Redden



Henrik Lundqvist/Cam Talbot/Jason Missiaen

Team White will participate in the lovefest that is sure to be the Frolunda game before heading to face a pretty soft Swiss side in Zug. The game in Gothenburg will be as close to a testimonial for Hank as you can get. The Indians fans worshipped him and he would also have a healthy surrounding of Scandic players around him that they would enjoy seeing. It would also could bring forth some whistles (booing) as Zuc was dominant for Modo against Frolunda before he came to America. On the hockey side you have all of the Rangers second line and a possible version of their third if Hagelin can win a job. Lindberg, Fasth and Erixon were on Sweden's World Junior team together so perhaps that will help them play with a certain comfort level - one that doesn't usually come in NHL auditions. Yes, Redden is on the roster. His money doesn't have to disappear from the cap until the real games start and, by all accounts, he was a big part of the maturation of McDonagh last season so he could help Erixon acclimate further. Who knows, perhaps he will fall in love with Zug and leave the team to play there. His game would be great in the Swiss National League.



No matter how the team decides to play it, I expect to be at three of the four games (no Bratislava) and the two regular season Stockholm matches so make sure you stop by for game recaps.

 Scotty's Split Squad Selections: A Coach's Strategy Unveiled

In the world of sports, coaching decisions often come under intense scrutiny. One such intriguing aspect of coaching strategy is split squad selections. Coaches face the challenge of balancing their lineups, managing player development, and ensuring team success. In this article, we delve into the world of split squad selections, focusing on Scotty's approach—a coach renowned for his strategic acumen.

Table of Contents

Introduction: The Art of Coaching in Sports

The Complexity of Coaching Decisions

The Impact of Split Squad Selections

Understanding the Split Squad Strategy

Defining Split Squads

The Dual Objectives of Development and Winning

Scotty's Split Squad Selections: A Case Study

Scotty's Legacy and Coaching Philosophy

Examining Key Decisions

The Balancing Act: Developing Players and Winning Games

The Importance of Player Development

Strategies for Achieving Success

Player Reactions and Team Dynamics

Player Perspectives on Split Squad Selections

Navigating Team Dynamics

FAQs: Common Questions About Coaching and Split Squads

1. Introduction: The Art of Coaching in Sports

The Complexity of Coaching Decisions

Coaching in sports is a multifaceted endeavor that goes beyond devising game plans and motivating players. It involves making crucial decisions that can shape the trajectory of a team's season.

The Impact of Split Squad Selections

Split squad selections, a common strategy in various team sports, represent one such decision that can significantly impact a team's fortunes. It requires coaches to strike a delicate balance between player development and the pursuit of victories.

2. Understanding the Split Squad Strategy

Defining Split Squads

Split squads involve dividing a team into two or more smaller groups, each playing in different games or competitions. This strategy is often employed in preseason, during tournaments, or in situations where depth and development are priorities.

The Dual Objectives of Development and Winning

Coaches employing the split squad strategy aim to achieve two primary objectives. First, they seek to give younger or less-experienced players valuable playing time to foster their development. Second, they aim to put forth competitive teams capable of winning games.

3. Scotty's Split Squad Selections: A Case Study

Scotty's Legacy and Coaching Philosophy

Scotty, a legendary coach with a rich history of success, has become synonymous with astute coaching decisions. His legacy is built on a foundation of strategy, innovation, and a deep understanding of the game.

Examining Key Decisions

We'll delve into specific instances where Scotty implemented split squad selections, dissecting his rationale and evaluating the outcomes of these decisions.

4. The Balancing Act: Developing Players and Winning Games

The Importance of Player Development

Player development is a cornerstone of a coach's responsibilities. Split squad selections provide an opportunity to nurture talent, build skills, and ensure a team's long-term success.

Strategies for Achieving Success

Coaches must navigate a fine line between development and competition. We'll explore strategies employed by coaches like Scotty to maximize the benefits of split squads while maintaining a winning mentality.

5. Player Reactions and Team Dynamics

Player Perspectives on Split Squad Selections

The impact of split squad decisions extends to the players themselves. We'll examine how players perceive these choices, including their perspectives on development opportunities and competitive challenges.

Navigating Team Dynamics

Team dynamics can be influenced by split squad selections. Understanding the dynamics within and between the smaller groups is essential for fostering unity and cohesion within the team.

6. FAQs: Common Questions About Coaching and Split Squads

Q1: Are split squad selections common in all team sports?

A1: Split squad selections are more common in team sports where large rosters are typical, such as baseball, ice hockey, and soccer. They may be less prevalent in sports with smaller rosters, like basketball.

Q2: How do coaches determine which players go in each squad?

A2: Coaches consider various factors, including player skills, development goals, and the specific context of the games. They often collaborate with assistant coaches and use data-driven insights.

Q3: Can split squad selections lead to player dissatisfaction?

A3: While some players may initially feel disheartened by being placed in a different squad, effective communication from the coaching staff can help players understand the rationale behind these decisions and foster a positive team environment.

Coaching in sports is a complex and dynamic endeavor, where each decision carries weight. Split squad selections, as seen through the lens of Scotty's coaching strategy, exemplify the art of balancing player development with the pursuit of victory. These selections are not merely about wins and losses but also about shaping the future of a team, nurturing talent, and ultimately achieving long-term success.