Gerard Gallant has coached a team to a Stanley Cup appearance, and knows the tough decisions that can come in the playoffs, particularly when it comes to lineup construction.
Now, as he gets set to try and lead a new team to the Cup Final, the Rangers head coach has braced his team to be ready for those tough decisions, and to especially be ready to contribute when the time comes.
So, whatever happens with borderline lineup contributors like Ryan Reaves or Dryden Hunt, Gallant says it can still be all hands on deck.
"I got to know my players over 82 games," Gallant said. "We're gonna make some tough decisions, but that's the way it is. We're doing what's best for our team. I've always told our guys, 'It doesn't matter if you're the top player on our team or the 29th player on our team. Everybody could be important in the playoffs.'
"You never know. Stay in shape, stay ready, and when your name's called, be ready to go."
For Gallant, that means staying the course, sticking with the preparation and mindset that helped his team make a significant jump in his first year as head coach. The stakes are higher beginning Tuesday night, but nothing else has to change.
Especially as the Blueshirts prepare to greet a Penguins team they have taken down in three straight games. The playoffs are a different animal, and stars like Sidney Crosby present a unique threat, but the Rangers kept the Pittsburgh attack in check much of the season, and that doesn't have to change so long as his team doesn't get caught up in the moment.
"I want us to keep playing the way the New York Rangers play," Gallant said. "We've got to worry about our team more than the other team."
That applies to Gallant as well, who will keep his focus on business as usual, even if the atmosphere and the stakes will be anything but.
"I'm just gonna coach," Gallant said. "I'm gonna do what I do for the last number of years, have fun with it, enjoy it hopefully and coach and try not to mess anything up."
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