Rangers stars out of excuses and must deliver for Peter Laviolette
On Tuesday, the New York Rangers announced the hiring of Peter Laviolette as their new head coach. Laviolette, who ranks as the eighth-winningest coach in NHL history, has been brought in to lead the team to a Stanley Cup victory and is expected to bring a new level of accountability and structure to a team that has seen two coaches fired in the last three seasons.
This move has put pressure not only on Laviolette but also on the Rangers’ top-end players, who have been accused of being the root cause behind the coach firings due to their shortcomings on the ice and in the locker room. Laviolette is known for his ability to deliver a rousing speech or a scathing critique during games and practices, a quality that Rangers players have expressed a desire for in their next coach.
While Laviolette is an experienced coach who has led teams to the Stanley Cup Final on three occasions, his most significant challenge may be turning the Rangers into a playoff team that can thrive in the postseason. Part of this challenge will be finding ways to develop young players, such as Alexis Lafreniere and Kaapo Kakko, and giving them the tools to succeed in the playoffs.
The Rangers’ front office will also be under scrutiny, as they must navigate a challenging salary cap and expectations for a quick turnaround. Despite concerns about Laviolette’s history with young players, he has a track record of developing a strong core group, including his 2017 Nashville Predators team that made it to the Stanley Cup Final.
Overall, the Rangers’ hiring of Laviolette is a significant move for the team and sets expectations high for the future.
FAQs:
Who is Peter Laviolette and why is he significant in NHL history?
Peter Laviolette is an American professional ice hockey coach who has been in the NHL for over two decades. He has coached four NHL teams, and currently ranks as the eighth-winningest coach in NHL history. Laviolette has led teams to three Stanley Cup Finals, winning one in 2006 with the Carolina Hurricanes.
What was behind the decision to hire Laviolette as the Rangers’ head coach?
The Rangers were reportedly seeking a coach who could bring a new level of accountability and structure to the team, as well as someone with a proven track record of leading teams to success in the postseason. Laviolette was seen as the best candidate for the job due to his experience and success in the NHL.
What challenges does Laviolette face as the new head coach of the Rangers?
Laviolette will need to find ways to develop young players, such as Alexis Lafreniere and Kaapo Kakko, and give them the tools to succeed in the playoffs. He will also need to navigate a challenging salary cap and high expectations for a quick turnaround from Rangers fans and management.
What are the expectations for the Rangers under Laviolette’s leadership?
Laviolette has been brought in to lead the Rangers to a Stanley Cup victory within the next few years. This sets expectations high for the team and puts pressure on both the players and front office to perform at a high level.
Rangers players must step up and perform for Peter Laviolette without any excuses.
The New York Rangers have hired Peter Laviolette, the eighth-winningest coach in NHL history, to lead them in their quest to parade down the Canyon of Heroes next year. However, the top-end players who have gone through two coaches in three seasons, David Quinn and Gerard Gallant, will have to share the burden of proof with Laviolette. Despite his success in leading the Blueshirts to the fifth-best record in the league, Gallant was let go, and the athletes who faltered in their final games against the Devils must now be held accountable for their actions. Laviolette, known for his demanding practices, tactical adjustments, and inspiring speeches, is the perfect candidate to lead this team to success. His greatest challenge will be to transform the Rangers from a team that excels in the regular season to one that can win 16 playoff games. He will need the help of his star players such as Mika Zibanejad and Artemi Panarin, as well as young talents Alexis Lafreniere and Kaapo Kakko, to create a team that is more hardscrabbled and difficult to play against. Laviolette has a track record of success as a “hired gun,” bringing quick fixes to troubled teams, and his bite will be essential in turning around the Rangers’ fortunes.