December | 2023 | Doc's Books

NCAA HOCKEY: JAN 11 Rivalry on Ice - Yale v Harvard

In the spring of 1994 Howie Rose’s call of Stephane Matteau’s game winning goal against the New Jersey Devils sent the New York Rangers to the finals for the Stanley Cup. This would end the Blueshirts 54 year drought and was music to every tortured Ranger fan’s ears. The season and playoff run were magical, but it would lead to another drought now reaching three decades. For Ranger fans who lost the finals to the Los Angeles Kings in 2014, it has been a rough go, but the history of the organization has improved over the last few seasons, and many believe or hope that this could be the year that the Rangers hoist the Cup once again.

Rick Carpiniello, a sports reporter for THE JOURNAL and THE ATHLETIC from 1978 to 2021 new book THE FRANCHISE: NEW YORK RANGERS. A CURATED HISTORY OF THE BLUESHIRTS brings hockey to the forefront through a series of wonderfully reported essays about the organization’s championship close calls throughout the 1970s, finally winning the Cup in 1994, and its decline until the emergence of Henrik Lundqvist as the team’s goalie in 2012, Carpiniello’s monograph is based on intimate knowledge of the franchise forged through extensive relations with the players, coaches, and other members of the organization.

Captain Mark Messier receives the Stanley Cup after the Rang

(1993-94 season the New York Rangers win the Stanley Cup)

Perhaps the most interesting aspects of Carpiniello’s book are his character studies ranging from Rangers General Manager and Coach Fred Shero, flamboyant winger, Ron Duguay to current players like Norris Trophy Winger Adam Fox and Chris Kreider. In each instance Carpiniello reaches for entertaining quotes, player opinions of different teams and players, team bonding, and the outrageous actions of different personalities.

Carpiniello begins with the famous 1978-9 season tease when it appeared the Rangers might finally break the curse that dated to 1940. They had defeated the dreaded New York Islanders in a series that created the chant Ranger fans employ to this day of “Potvin sucks.” However, despite defeating the Montreal Canadiens in the first game of the Stanley Cup finals, they went on to lose four straight providing Les Canadiens their fourth consecutive finals victory.

The author is right on as he describes the “disorganization of the organization” in the 1980s. Ownership had opportunities to trade for Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier much earlier than they finally did and refused. They hired a series of general managers and coaches who either did not fit the profile of their jobs and made decisions which in many cases are hard to fathom. Herb Brooks, the 1980 Olympic coach was a failure, Ted Sator was in over his head, Michel Bergeron was a bust, and Hall of Famer Phil Esposito, also known as “trader Phil,” made a series of poor trades and his record as a coach was not much better. The key person was Craig Patrick who was a GM and coach but was gone by the late 1980s but drafted the likes of Brian Leetch and Mike Richter. The savior of the 1980s was John Vanbiesbrouck, an excellent goalie who was in large part responsible for the few Ranger successes during the decade.

(Ranger defenseman Brian Leetch)

Carpiniello has a knack in developing stories about some interesting/flamboyant characters in his narrative. Names like Tie Domi, Joey Kocur, Ulf Samuelsson, perhaps the dirtiest player in hockey at the time, and Jeff Beukeboom come to mind. All were fighters, who had talented upside. Other key personalities that the author weaves in and out of this monograph are Neil Smith, the GM who traded for Mark Messier and signed free agent Sadam Graves. Smith would put together the team that finally won the cup under Mike Kennan’s leadership. Kennan became head coach, when then coach Roger Neilson, another interesting personality could not get along with Messier and was fired.

Adam Graves New York Rangers Autographed Game Action 8x10 Photo

(Ranger wing Adam Graves)

Carpiniello brings back many forgotten memories. A few that stand out include the switch in approach under Craig Patrick in the early 1980s from a mean fighting mentality to a skilled group of young players who were not large in stature nicknamed “the Smurfs.” Another important individual was Mike Kennan, a hard ass, controversial coach who upon arriving at MSG felt the Rangers were a soft team. Kennan immediately pushed to trade certain “soft” players who would go on to have tremendous careers with other teams. Names like Mike Gartner, Tony Almonte, Darren Turcotte, and James Patrick come to mind. No matter how much talent Kennan forced Smith to get rid of for second line players, in the end he molded the team by blending their talent and finally ending the “1940 chorus.” Despite his success, Kennan was seen as a “bastard” held beyond contempt by many in the Ranger organization. But, one must keep in mind it was Kennan who pushed Smith to acquire grinders like Matteau, Brian Noonan, and a bunch of Edmonton Oiler Stanley Cup champions.

(Ranger goalie”King” Henrik Lundquist)

The book recounts the magical playoff run that culminated in winning the cup with wonderful anecdotes and player stories. I remember exactly where I was the night they won and as many others have said “I can now die in peace!” However, it was a short dynasty as a new curse and/or drought began the next season which carries on to this day. To Carpiniello’s credit is description of the players, their talent and foibles for the next three decades is remarkable, and all I can say is god bless his memory!

The post-Cup period saw the arrival of Wayne Gretzky, but at the same time they let Messier go. Carpiniello is correct in describing the Ranger’s biggest problem as management as MSG president Dave Checketts who was in charge of the Knicks and Rangers knew nothing about hockey and it showed in his decision making.

Carpiniello digs deep into the second drought and the role of Glen Sather as GM and coach. Sather who built the Edmonton Oilers would eventually be successful with the Rangers, but not until he finally made the correct draft and trade decisions, particularly a 7^th round pick named Henrik Lundqvist who would backstop the team in goal for well over a decade beginning in the 2004-05 season. During this period fascinating new characters came on the scene, particularly emblematic is Carpiniello’s description of John Tortorella, which is priceless. The turnaround for the Rangers came in 2010-11 and from then on they were a sound playoff team which flirted with a cup run in 2013-14.

Chris Kreider Cam Talbot NY Rangers Wallpaper

(Ranger wing Chris Kreider)

At times, the author becomes emotional about certain players and events. Perhaps the most poignant coverage deals with 9/11 and the reaction of the players and how they interacted with first responders and New Yorkers in general. This aspect of the book reflects the wonderful working relationship that the author had with Ranger players.

In the latter part of the book Carpiniello zeroes in on two of the most important and creative approaches taken by the Ranger front office that coincided with a decline in the career of Henrik Lundquist. After a successful run from the 2008-09 season to the 2013-14 Cup final season the team went through its famous rebuild underscored by “the letter” to fans explaining the course the organization was about to take. New leadership came aboard that included John Davidson as President, Jeff Gorton as GM, and David Quinn as coach. Through a series of trades, i.e., acquiring Jacob Trouba, Ryan Lindgren, Mika Zibanejad, and Adam Fox; signing free agents, i.e., Artemi Panarin; resigning Chris Kreider, and significant draft choices like K’Andre Miller and Igor Shesterkin the foundation was set for the current Ranger Roster. When the rebuild did not progress as fast as he wanted, the impulsive Ranger owner, Dolan fired the three men who was responsible for the rebuild in large part to the machinations and violence perpetrated by Washington Capitals Tom Wilson, and brought in an entire new leadership team.

(Ranger wing Artemi Panarin, “the breadman!”

Overall, the book is a wonderful stroll down memory lane for Ranger fans with Carpiniello integrating wonderful vignettes, personal insights and observations which reflect a sense of humor, vast hockey knowledge, and a writing style that is easy to read. If there is one negative in Carpiniello’s approach, at times his narrative comes across as somewhat disjointed as many of his stories and observations lack cohesiveness. However, despite this minor criticism, the book is a wonderful gift for all Ranger fans.

(Early 19th century British factory)

For those devotees of Ken Follett’s Kingsbridge series his latest addition will not disappoint. His new book, THE ARMOR OF LIGHT is the fifth novel in the series and contains elements from earlier Kingsbridge works. It follows ordinary working people whose lives were altered by historical crises. Follett introduces inventors that change history and have profound impact on everyone. Further, it presents the battle for freedom as people fight for lives free of oppression and lastly, Follett develops impactful female characters who play significant roles in the flow of the novel.

Follett is a master storyteller who has a firm grip on historical detail. The current storyline is set during the Industrial Revolution and relates the tale of a group of intertwined families whose lives are greatly impacted by mechanical and technological change. Follett’s characters are involved in food riots, worker strikes, and resistance to forced military service. The English Parliament responds with a series of repressive laws making it a crime to speak out against the government.

The story’s background focuses on the year 1792 amidst what English historian, Eric Hobsbawm describes as the Age of Revolution. Highlighted by the dual revolutions of industry and ideology in France that commenced in 1789 the story proceeds to the Age of Napoleon as the French dictator launches a series of wars across Europe that will culminate by 1814 with the Congress of Vienna. The story continues for another ten years with the story concluding in 1824.

(A hand loom weaving)

Follett’s mythical village of Kingsbridge is a center of textile production where work is moving from piece work at home to mills equipped with more productive machinery. In addition to being forced to work in pseudo-factories, labor must deal with inflation induced by war and a government that is cracking down on dissent. The propertied classes take advantage of the situation as they control Parliament and make it difficult for workers to unite resulting in low wages, dangerous working conditions, and poor housing.

The story accurately rehashes the plight of English workers at the turn of the 19^th century and their relationship with the new industrial aristocracy fostered by the mechanization of the industrial revolution. Follett depicts many scenes that correctly replicate historical events. From attempts at unionization of weavers to government institution of laws preventing workers from combining; the effects of decades of war with France resulting in increasing inflation and poverty for the masses; action and results from the battlefield; the arrest and prosecution of the poor, even hanging a seven year old boy; the press gang of the poor into the Royal navy; the fears of the gentry first, the French Revolution and later the machinations of Napoleon are just a few themes that Follett develops.

(Rioting mob of Luddites)

Of course, as in any of Follett’s historical novels there are a series of characters, some heroes, others villains. Among those who stand out are Sal Clitheroe and her son Kit. Sal’s husband dies and she remarries and becomes a leader in trying to organize the weavers. Jarge Box, Sal’s second husband, a laborer with a temper who loved his wife. Amos Barrowfield, a clothier who begins engaging in the “putting out” system and graduates to owning his own mills as the novel progresses. He is in love with a woman he cannot have, and of course there is another woman who is in love with him who he rejects. The Riddick brothers. Will who is a self-absorbed nasty person who is also a crook. Roger, a mechanical genius who supports the workers, lastly, George, who is the Rector of Bradford. A key individual is David Shoveller, known as Spade, a generous and caring person who works with Sal to help the plight of the poor. Arabella Latimer, married to the Bishop of Kingsbridge who she deplores and eventually has an affair, a child, and a new marriage! Henry Viscount of Northwood, a soldier who is married to Elsie, Arabella’s daughter, is also married to a man she does not love and cannot have the man she desires.

As far as villains are concerned we can generalize and state it is the English Parliament, judicial system, monarchy, and the British aristocracy for the most part lacks any empathy for its workers and subjects in general. It is highlighted by the policies of Prime Minister William Pitt and others who occupied the office. As for individuals that Follett carefully develops, Alderman Joseph Hornbean stands out as a person who survived extreme poverty as a child including the witnessing of the hanging of his mother. He goes on to become a very rich and influential mill owner with under the table contracts with the English military to supply uniforms. He opposes all progress except machines that will make him even wealthier. Arrest, trials, bribery, hangings are all aspects of things that he is ultimately responsible for. There are many others that Follett introduces, and he is very successful in developing their personalities and their impact on the evolution of the novel.

(The impact of the Industrial Revolution)

The story is constructed chronologically, and it follows the course of the wars of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. Follett has excellent command of the war’s progression and its impact on British society, especially the working poor. The lifestyle of the aristocratic households is deftly compared to that of the underclass and how certain characters strive for inclusion with the upper classes. Follett develops a number of important themes, the foremost of which is the precarious nature of work for the poor as mechanization threatens the loss of their livelihood. Other themes include the schism between Anglicanism and Methodism. In addition, the aristocracy’s fear of the ecumenical revolution fostered by the French and a possible invasion of Britain by Napoleon which would destroy their way of life, and the fear of mill owners of the Luddites who were crossing the country smashing machines. This is highlighted by the growth of a number of characters highlighted by Sal as she overcomes widowhood to become a leader and spokesperson of the poor and Amos and Spade as they leave their comfort level to take on more responsibility and leadership in Kingsbridge.

(Coal pits and factories)

THE ARMOR OF LIGHT continues Follett’s remarkable success that began thirty-four years ago with the publication of THE PILLARS OF THE EARTH. Over the decades the series has sold over 27 million copies stunning readers and critics with its rich detail, amazing architectural research, and brilliant storytelling. THE ARMOR OF LIGHT is written with the author’s gift for personal and political drama creating a story that moves gratifyingly through over 700 pages. It is so engrossing that you might want to return to the earlier volumes, the first of which appeared in 2007 presenting a saga that covers 800 years and well over 4,000 pages.

As one reads on and you are as Katherine Powers writes in her Washington Post review, “propelled by acts of highhanded cruelty answered by the resourcefulness and pluck of its victims, a dynamic so predictable that we know that, in most cases, it’s only a matter of time before good triumphs and comeuppance is delivered — whereupon the cycle repeats itself. Yes, we’re being manipulated, but we can’t stop turning the pages: What now? What next? Beyond that, however, it is Follett’s generosity and adeptness with historical detail and nimble depictions of technical matters that set this book, like its predecessors, above mere historical melodrama.”