New York, New York. A day after beating Toronto 9-4, a win that saw the New York Highlanders climb into first place overall, coach Kirk Muller was quick to focus his attention on the team's ultimate goal.
"The team has played well, but there are still some aspects of our game that we need to address. Being first place at this point in the season is meaningless if we aren't successful in the playoffs."
It's this mindset that the team was looking for when they fired Barry Melrose after an 0-5 pre-season start and a disappointing performance in last year's playoffs. Along with assistants Lyle Odelein and Mel Pearson, Muller has worked to turn a group of highly paid stars into a cohesive team.
"There have been ups and downs this season," noted free agent addition, new team captain, and league-leading scorer Joe Sakic. "As you'd expect from a team that has made some big roster changes, our special teams have taken some time to get going."
And changes have been made. The former ownership group started in the off-season with the signings of Sakic, Rolston, Schneider, McCabe and Demitra, who is in his second stint with the team after winning the Cup with the Highlanders in 2000. Since being bought by new ownership, the team has continued to be active in pursuing opportunities to better the team, including the additions of Sheldon Souray, Daniel Alfredsson, Martin Erat and Daniel Briere.
When asked if Muller was hoping his GM would pursue other opportunities, "I think we have all the tools necessary to bring the Cup back to New York, and now it's our job to get it done. That said, there is very strong competition in this league, and we need to be aware of opportunities that will help us achieve our goal."
And changes have been made. The former ownership group started in the off-season with the signings of Sakic, Rolston, Schneider, McCabe and Demitra, who is in his second stint with the team after winning the Cup with the Highlanders in 2000. Since being bought by new ownership, the team has continued to be active in pursuing opportunities to better the team, including the additions of Sheldon Souray, Daniel Alfredsson, Martin Erat and Daniel Briere.
When asked if Muller was hoping his GM would pursue other opportunities, "I think we have all the tools necessary to bring the Cup back to New York, and now it's our job to get it done. That said, there is very strong competition in this league, and we need to be aware of opportunities that will help us achieve our goal."
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