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New York Rangers Part Ways with Head Coach Peter Laviolette
The New York Rangers have announced a significant coaching change following a disappointing season, deciding to release head coach Peter Laviolette after two years at the helm. The team also parted ways with associate head coach Phil Housley. This decision reflects the organization’s desire to re-establish its competitive edge after failing to qualify for the playoffs this year.
The Rangers finished the recent season with a record of 39 wins, 36 losses, and 7 overtime losses, a stark contrast to the previous year when they dominated the league, winning the President’s Trophy and progressing to the Eastern Conference Finals.
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Laviolette, 60, compiled an overall record of 94 wins, 59 losses, and 11 overtime losses during his tenure with the Rangers. Notably, under his guidance, the franchise enjoyed its best regular season performance in its history during the 2023-2024 season, achieving a record of 114 points and securing 55 victories.
Rangers general manager Chris Drury commented on the decision, stating, “Today I informed Peter Laviolette and Phil Housley that we’re making a coaching change. I want to thank them both and wish them and their families all the best going forward. Peter is first class all the way, both professionally and personally, and I am truly grateful for his passion and dedication to the Rangers in his time as head coach.”
Drury further expressed disappointment in the team’s inability to meet expectations this season, acknowledging the burden of responsibility that comes with such outcomes. “Quite simply, we failed to meet those expectations. We must all do better – myself included,” he stated, indicating a broader accountability within the organization.
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Laviolette, known for his extensive coaching career that includes stints with the Nashville Predators, Carolina Hurricanes, Philadelphia Flyers, Washington Capitals, and New York Islanders, faced challenges this year as the Rangers struggled with inconsistent performance from key players. Expectations were high, especially following their playoff run the previous year, but many star players underperformed.
This season, forwards Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider saw noticeable declines in their production. Zibanejad scored 20 goals and recorded 62 points, down from the prior season’s 26 goals and 72 points. Similarly, Kreider went from 39 goals and 76 points last season to just 22 goals and 30 points this year, highlighting a trend of declining performance among the team’s top talent.
The departures of Laviolette and Housley are likely just the beginning of a significant overhaul for the Rangers this offseason, as general manager Chris Drury aims to reshape a roster that experienced notable struggles during the season.
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