The New York Rangers dismissed head coach Peter Laviolette after a lackluster 39-36-7 season, a stark contrast to their impressive performance last year. General Manager Chris Drury cited unmet expectations and emphasized the need for organizational improvement. Alongside Laviolette, associate head coach Phil Housley was also relieved of his duties. Under Laviolette, the Rangers had a strong previous season but faced significant declines in player performances and power play efficiency this year, leading to the decision for a coaching change as preparations for the next season begin.
After finishing with the best regular season record in the NHL a year ago and making a trip to the Eastern Conference Final, we came into this season with high expectations for ourselves. Quite simply, we failed to meet those expectations.
Our search for a new head coach will begin immediately. We must all do better - myself included. I felt that a change was necessary in order to give us the best chance to achieve our goals as an organization.
There was a systemic downturn in player performances, most acutely in 31-year-old Mika Zibanejad and 33-year-old Chris Kreider. New York's power play ranked third place in 2023-24 but dropped to 28th this season.
Last summer, Drury played hardball to move Barclay Goodrow, a well-liked but no longer viable winger. Rangers insiders described that move as having a chilling effect on the team.
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