As expected, the first domino to fall in the offseason involves the coaching staff. The Rangers have fired Peter Laviolette and Phil Housley after this disastrous season. Both Laviolette and Housley were brought on last season, helping bring stability and structure to a Rangers team that sorely needed it. The Blueshirts made a run to the Eastern Conference Final before being eliminated in 6 games by a much better Florida Panthers team that eventually won the Stanley Cup.
This season, the defensive structure completely fell apart, with the Rangers being one of the worst defensive teams in the NHL. The defense absolutely cost the Rangers a playoff spot and was one of the more infuriating aspects of the Rangers this season.
Dan Muse and Michael Peca both remain, as special teams–mostly the penalty kill–were still effective this season (though the powerplay couldn’t hit the broadside of a barn despite generating solid chances to end the season).
Laviolette is now the third coach Drury has fired, joining David Quinn and Gerard Gallant. Drury hired both Laviolette and Gallant, and played a role in Quinn’s hiring as well. One has to wonder when the blame falls on Drury, but that’s a story for another day.
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