I think he would have been able to do the same even if Raynald was out of the can.
Probably, because the coalition that was attempting to take over was doomed the moment Montagna got clipped. Montagna was the link between New York and Montreal and possibly Ontario as well.
I think the coalition attempting the take over was doomed before Montagna got clipped. Attempted hit on Desjardins shows they were already locking horns
In any case, the coalition lost the support from Ontario and New York and that support was essential. They'd shown to be incapable to lead as they couldn't resolve their differences and come to an agreement.
That is when the table began to turn in favor of Rizzuto, because he was probably seen as the only one who could restore order. Otherwise he would have probably been a dead man walking.
