Would a coaching change actually fix the Rangers?
The New York Rangers continue to struggle, with many fans up in arms about what the team needs to do to turn things around.
Following a 2-1 loss at Madison Square Garden to the last-place Chicago Blackhawks, the Rangers have dropped three of their last four games and eight of their previous 10. For a team that came into the new season as hopefuls to challenge for the Stanley Cup after winning the President’s Trophy in 2023-24, the first couple of months have been a disaster. The Rangers are sitting tied for fourth in the Metropolitan Division, 11 points behind the Washington Capitals for first place, and are hanging onto the second Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference.
The lackluster play has led to general manager Chris Drury openly shopping most of the team’s roster, already dealing former captain Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks. Other notable names, including longtime Ranger Chris Kreider, are also in trade conversations.
However, some are wondering if a change behind the bench is necessary.
On Tuesday’s edition of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Colby Cohen and Tyler Yaremchuk discuss whether or not removing head coach Peter Laviolette would help turn this bumpy start in Manhattan around.
Colby Cohen: I don’t think Peter Laviolette is going to get fired today or tomorrow. I don’t think so…you go back to Gerard Gallant. You’re basically seeing multiple coaches who have good reputations not be able to get it out of the core. They moved on from Jacob Trouba, they opened up some cap space, go use it. What are you waiting for? This team needs to add…
Maybe it’s not the coach. Maybe it is the core…Unless you have somebody lined up that you think is going to come in and fix this team, which is playing with no jam and really no inspiration. When you have that veteran core…I believe this is on the players. I don’t think this is a Peter Laviolette issue…I don’t think Drury’s going to panic and pull that plug. I don’t think the outside noise really bothers Chris Drury.
You can watch the full segment and entire episode here…