The summer of 2013 produced one of the more interesting storylines for the 2013-14 NHL season. John Tortorella, relieved of his duties as head coach of the New York Rangers on May 29, was named head coach of the Vancouver Canucks on June 25, less than a month later. The Canucks’ job became available after they decided to part ways with their own bench boss, Alain Vigneault on May 22, just one week before their future coach (Tortorella) was deposed. It was only natural then that the Rangers hire Vigneault to lead their club on June 22.

The curiosity of the two firings, and then hiring(s) goes beyond just the equal swap between the two clubs. A complete change in personalities awaited both clubs with the contrasting styles of Vigneault and Tortorella. The fiery Bostonian, Tortorella is a demanding in-your-face coach that demands defensive responsibility and a commitment to blocking shots. Conversely, Vigneault has a reputation as a player’s coach, committed to offense and creativity from both the forwards and defensemen.

Sparks were certain to fly, particularly on a veteran club like the Canucks who would need to adjust to their outspoken and tempestuous coach. Finesse players like Daniel Sedin and Henrik Sedin hardly seemed suited to fit the style and strategy of their new boss. However, a funny thing happened as the season began: the Canucks and their veteran leaders bought in to the “Tortorella way”. Vancouver jumped out to an 11-5-2 start in the brutal Pacific Division including a decisive 4-2 decision in San Jose. The Canucks sat third in the division behind only San Jose and Anaheim and looked like a legitimate contender in the Western Conference.

Meanwhile, with the New York Rangers, coach Vigneault began the season with a nine game road trip to start the season. Fair or not, the Rangers were forced to take their show on the road due to renovations at Madison Square Garden. A brutal road start buried the Rangers in the Metropolitan Division with a 3-7-0 record after ten games, three of which were shutout losses. A coach that was supposed to bring some offensive freedom had seen his team hit the twine only 15 times through ten contests.

Since the hot start in Vancouver, things have cooled considerably. The Canucks have gone 1-4-3 since then, scoring only 15 goals combined in those games. Naturally the losing slide has tested the volatile Tortorella, who has managed to remain composed as he leads his team forward. With Phoenix and Los Angeles joining Anaheim and San Jose at the top of the division, the Canucks can ill afford to lose any more ground in the standings.

Back to the Big Apple where the Rangers have gotten healthier (Rick Nash, Carl Hagelin, and Ryan Callahan returned) and have figured out how to score again. Goaltender Henrik Lundqvist is starting to play like the best goaltender in the world again, which means that the Rangers have a chance to win every single night. While I would hardly say that coach Vigneault has put together an offensive juggernaut, the Rangers are 10-5 in their last 15 games, climbing from the division cellar to second place.

With only a quarter of the season past, it is hard to really assess the success or failure of either coach. Both inherited supremely talented, veteran clubs that were coming out of playoff disappointments. Certainly the media markets of New York and Vancouver provide a different type of scrutiny, though decidedly less intense in the Pacific Northwest. However, both coaches get a grade, fair or not.

John Tortorella, Vancouver Canucks-I honestly though that the match between the Vancouver roster and the fiery Torts was a match made in hell. Though he has a proven track record that includes a Stanley Cup, Tortorella can wear on a locker room, particularly when losses pile up. Based on my low expectations, the Canucks have performed pretty well. They might not make the playoffs, but that has more to do with the competition in the Pacific Division than anything else. Grade: B-

Alain Vigneault, New York Rangers-A strong push by the Rangers has salvaged the grade of the Rangers’ boss. While I am fairly certain he doesn’t care about my opinion of him, he has handled the New York media well and has gotten the most out of a difficult season so far. He finally has a full roster of players who seem intent on playing hard for him. The Rangers are a playoff team as much because the Metropolitan Division is terrible as on their own merit. They should push the Pittsburgh Penguins for the top of the division because they are talented, but they won’t contend for the conference title this year. Grade: B