James Dolan, owner of the New York Rangers, expressed unwavering confidence in Chris Drury, the team's president and general manager, during a recent interview, marking his first public statement since 2023. Despite the Rangers' challenging season, with a 20-18-5 record and the lowest point percentage in the Eastern Conference, Dolan remains steadfast in his support of Drury.
In an appearance on Craig Carton's WFAN show, Dolan emphasized Drury's winning mindset and competitive spirit, stating, 'Chris Drury is a winner and competitor. He can't stand to lose.' This sentiment is particularly relevant given the team's struggles, which have undoubtedly impacted Drury and head coach Mike Sullivan.
Dolan acknowledged the team's struggles, noting, 'The culture doesn't turn around overnight.' He attributed the team's issues to a lack of self-belief, stating, 'I think the team from last year didn't really believe in themselves, and that made it hard.' This led to the decision to part ways with former coach Peter Laviolette, who was replaced by a 'culture coach' in Mike Sullivan.
Dolan's patience is a key theme in the interview. He acknowledged that as an owner, one must exercise patience, especially when a team deviates from its planned strategy. He stated, 'As an owner, you have to be patient. The guys set out a plan. When I get impatient, it's when we veer off the plan and reach for the shiny thing.'
The Rangers' home performance has been a significant concern, with a 5-10-3 record at Madison Square Garden. Dolan attributed this to the team's inability to maintain consistency, stating, 'They play pretty well, and then they have these moments where things go bad. They find it hard to pull themselves up. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't. They just have to learn to do it. They have to believe in themselves.'
Despite the current challenges, Dolan remains optimistic about the team's playoff chances. He highlighted the team's recent success in the Winter Classic, where they defeated the Florida Panthers 5-1, urging fans not to give up on the team. Dolan concluded, 'Don't give up on my team this year.'
