Peter Laviolette now on the hot seat: Major statement was just made concerning his position
With recent coaching changes in the NHL, we have to consider whether or not other teams will make changes to the lineup.
One of those teams could be the New York Rangers.
At least according to Stan Fischler, who covers the New York Rangers for The Hockey News. With Jim Montgomery's firing, and quick re-hiring by the St. Louis Blues, will this inspire action from GM Chris Drury?
The New York Rangers coach has a 55-23-4 record with the Rangers and has won a President's Trophy with the team in 2023-2024.
The Maven responds: "There are a couple of significant ways to judge Lavvy's performance and his security with the Blueshirts.
Has Peter Laviolette lost the room already? While he did win a President's Trophy with the club last season, it suggests his position is secure--for now.
While the Rangers have gone into two slumps this season, the most troubling so far, was a 2-2 split in the Western Conference, against the rebuilding Calgary Flames, and former Cup contenders Edmonton Oilers.
Could Laviolette be gone after the new year if he fails to achieve stability?
The New York Rangers are an original-six team with a dedicated fanbase who has no problem shelling out their hard-earned cash for a good product on the ice.
But with recent problems arising, with Mika Zibanejad's lack of production, and a dismal defensive performance from players like K'Andre Miller, Jacob Trouba, and Ryan Lindgren, it's a potential for disaster.
They're no longer playing like President's Trophy winners, but scraping the bottom of the barrel for reliable play.
Not only has Mika been an issue for the Rangers, but so has Chris Kreider while scoring 9 goals, has failed to be a playmaker this year, and hasn't added any assists to his bucket.
At fourth in the Metropolitan Division, and a 12-8-1 record they'll have to figure out how to stay in the hunt.
The younger players like Will Cuylle, Kaapo Kakko, and a healthy Filip Chytl have been a revelation for a squad that lacks heart.
Can Peter Laviolette turn it around? The Rangers were unable to defeat the Carolina Hurricanes on home ice, 4-3. Is this a sign of things to come?
