Mike Keenan talks 1994 Stanley Cup and NHL pause

The Rangers Stanley Cup-winning coach Mike Keenan will be the next guest on the “MSG 150 at Home” tonight at 730pm. While the NHL Pause continues, MSG Networks continues to bring top of the line coverage of the Rangers.

Tonight’s interview with Bill Pidto and Steve Valiquette, Mike Keenan will touch on the Rangers’ “ALL IN Challenge” from Fanatics, which is rallying the sports industry to raise $100 million in support of national COVID relief efforts to directly feed those in need. In accepting the challenge, the Rangers have collaborated with several of the franchise’s legends to organize a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – the chance to skate and play with members of the ‘94 Stanley Cup Championship team, with Keenan expected to be on hand as well.

Mike Keenan behind the NYR bench 1994 (NHL)

On how he would handle this break and current uncertainty if he was coaching today

“The players can prepare themselves physically, emotionally and mentally by training. In most cases, they have their own individual gyms or they’re at home with opportunities. But these athletes today look out for themselves nutritionally and then of course physically. I would think that most of the players are keeping their fitness and preparation in terms of a comeback opportunity.” Here’s a preview courtesy of MSG Networks.

On coaching Hall of Famers, including Messier and Leetch

“They were actually easy to coach. They were so self-motivated. Their preparation, professionalism, their love for the game, their passion to play comes out every clearly. It wasn’t the stars that were difficult. All you have to do is make sure you give them the ice time they deserve and they worked for it. Mess was exceptional as everyone knows, in terms of what he could contribute every night, on and off the ice. Brian Leetch was an exceptionally talented player that could really ignite the team. And a position and player that you need on every championship team. You need a top defensemen.”

Anthony Scultore has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL since 2014. His work also appears at... More about Anthony Scultore

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