The New York Rangers are having a tough season, and their head coach, Peter Laviolette, might face the blame for their struggles.
Laviolette’s job security with the Rangers is uncertain
In the last ten games, the Rangers (3-7) rank among the worst teams in the Eastern Conference, only outperforming the Buffalo Sabres (0-7-3) and Columbus Blue Jackets (2-6-2). The Rangers, last season’s Presidents’ Trophy winners, have not met expectations this time around. Given this situation, Laviolette’s role in the team’s difficulties could lead to his dismissal. Larry Brooks from the New York Post indicated management is hesitant to fire yet another head coach after already parting ways with Gerard Gallant two years ago and David Quinn four years ago, writing, “The hierarchy has no stomach to fire Laviolette… instead of taking care of the coach-averse core.” However, according to The Athletic’s Arthur Staple, “Laviolette’s term might be coming to a premature end.”
Rangers could maintain Laviolette as head coach despite coaching changes
At 60 years old, Laviolette is the third head coach for the Rangers in just five seasons. The team hasn’t reached the Stanley Cup Final since 2013-14, although Laviolette guided them to the Eastern Conference Finals last season. Management may be understandably reluctant to continue replacing coaches, as this could be just as damaging to the team as exercising patience during a challenging period.
Before his tenure with the Rangers, Laviolette coached the Washington Capitals and led several teams to success, including being a Western Conference Champion with the Predators, an Eastern Conference Champion with the Flyers, and winning the Stanley Cup as head coach of the Carolina Hurricanes in 2005-06 after his initial role with the New York Islanders.
Laviolette is not preoccupied with his job security
In a recent statement ahead of New York’s matchup against the Nashville Predators, Laviolette commented on his position, saying, “Those are things that I can’t control. I’ve been in this a long time. There are always those conversations wherever you go, especially if you’ve been in it for a long time. My real concern, main concern, is getting a win tonight, getting back on track, getting back into the playoff race.” The NHL’s third-winningest active coach is focused on turning the Rangers’ fortunes around.
