The entire Rangers’ coaching staff pulled from tonight’s game!

Bad news for the New York Rangers. 

The team has just announced that its entire coaching staff is unavailable for tonight’s game against the Philadelphia Flyers because of COVID-19 protocols. That includes head coach David Quinn and his assistant coaches Jacques Martin, David Oliver, and Greg Brown. It is believed to be as precaution. 

The coaching staff from AHL’s Hartford Wolf Puck is coming in instead behind the bench. Hartford coach Kris Knoblauch, associate Gord Murphy, and Rangers associate GM Chris Drury will be behind the bench tonight. Knoblauch will serve as the acting head coach.

Fans have strongly reacted to this, wondering why the game isn't getting postponed. If the coach is added to the COVID-19 protocol list, wouldn't the entire roster need to be as well? 

This announcement was made moments after the daily NHL COVID protocol list was shared on social media. The Rangers made the official announcement as three players across the league appeared on the NHL COVID protocol list. 

The league will have to add the entire Blue Shirts' coaching staff now. What a blow! 

It remains unclear when coach Quinn and the rest of his staff will be able to rejoin the team.