|
Peter Laviolette fired as coach Saturday. Where does Chris Drury go next? |
|
|
|
|
|
The Rangers, more precisely GM Chris Drury, fired Peter Laviolette and Phil Housley on Saturday. Neither move cane as a big surprise with the decision to let each go prior to today’s breakup day meetings a way to avoid what might have been backward situation, similar to what we saw with Gerard Gallant. Drury and the Rangers will be searching for their fourth coach in six years. If Drury doesn’t get this one “right” - a term each person may define differently - he will be the next one whose name is in press release as having been relieved of his duties.
Below are a few of the columns and video regarding the firing. My quick view, Laviolette to a certain extent is the fall guy for Drury but he also did himself little favors. This firing goes back to last offseason, and actually if you wind it back, the series against Florida where New York was unable to adjust to the Panthers style of play. Drury recognized that the team lacked either the ability or internal fortitude to match how Florida played but he smooched the pooch with how he attempted to bridge the gap.
Barclay Goodrow was a playoff hero but at $3.6 million a year he was pricey (though you could argue he made up for that in the playoffs). The lack of communication with Goodrow as to next steps clearly did not sit well with the player and team. Doubling down on this, Drury wanted to move on from Jacob Trouba but the player and agent put the kibosh on that move, which created a toxic locker room for Laviolette to manage.
The Rangers got off to a 12-4-1 start, though we knew the underlying was closer to a rotting and rusting frame than a team that deserved that mark. Drury’s memo, naming Trouba and Chris Kreider as players available, had a deleterious effect on the team, helping lead to the 4-15-0 run, though Laviolette did little to stem that tide. In addition, we railed all year on how the defense is not properly structured to utilize a man-to-man system, yet neither Housley or Laviolette adjusted accordingly. Drury made moves to improve the team, which you can argue was a mixed bag at best, but Laviolette appeared to have checked out late and was in essence a dead man walking down the stretch.
Laviolette was a hybrid from David Quinn, viewed as too harsh on the kids, and Gallant, who lacked a system and was too soft. Lavy was formerly known for his ability to adjust in-game and blister the walls when needed. Neither was the case in New York, especially this season. I will give him credit for trying different combinations but he stuck with the tried and true for too long, failing to give the younger players more of a chance to succeed, especially when the power play was stuck in mud. The same with going too long with Kreider and Mika Zibanejad. But what I would love to know is if any of the rumors that Kreider was toxic in the locker room was true. Because if not, those who have been espousing this should be punted to the moon.
Mollie Walker and Larry Brooks:
Vince Mercogliano:
NHL Network:
Now what? The search for a new coach is underway. If you look at the list of names, it’s regurgitation central with a few new names mentioned, though most are ones we have heard about in the past. I have been on record saying that I think Quinn was done dirty, both on New York and actually in San Jose, though he has landed on his feet as an assistant coach. Due to what transpired there and where New York needs to be, you have to rightfully wonder if Drury would hire a first time coach.
My personal view is I could care less if the coach is a neophyte. Get the right person. Washington looks to have done that with Spencer Carbury and the Blueshirts need someone who can blend vets and the kids, the latter the probable future of this squad. I am expecting lots of moves this offseason, which means that the coach must be able to indoctrinate several new faces with those who remain cognizant that there may be some ruffled feathers in the locker room.
The coach must be able to hold the players accountable but also implement a system that maximize the talent and skills of each. In addition, the backdrop that exists with this organization - meaning the constant change, myriad of coaching hires recently, and locker room that may be a powder keg - could turn off several candidates, especially the hot names. Convincing that coach, for example David Carle. That he would be running the show and could do what he needs to do, may be the first task for Drury. Oh and by the way, contend for the Cup immediately or the GM could be gone.
Jay Leach and Jay Pandolfo were bigger names a few years ago but each are in the mix. Don Muse and Michael Peca were retained even with Laviolette and Housley fired. Both will interview. If Peca is viewed as a true candidate, and he certainly has the career gravitas to be a candidate, while Muse’s work with US NTDP would make him a choice of New York went young, I am not sure if Drury wants to go that route. Same with Mitch Love and Cam Abbott, each of whom bring a different skill set to the mix. The other name I like is Jeff Halpern and I could see Jeff Blaisdell be someone of interest, but Halpern intrigues me based on his background and skill set.
Mike Sullivan, who reportedly wants to remain in Pittsburgh, could be Drury and James Dolan’s primary choice. But he might be a pipe dream given he is still under contract. Could the Penguins owning the protected pick or unprotected pick next year be a deal component if the two sides wanted to go in that direction?
John Tortorella was here and gone, but he certainly would make press conferences along with questions from Larry Brooks must see TV. Joel Quenneville comes with his own black mark and would be joining a team that has its own black cloud of a similar nature hanging over them. Rick Tocchet was on the mix years ago and coached JT Miller in Vancouver, which could make him an option if he does not resign with the Canucks. Though I am not convinced that is the wisest move possible. Bruce Boudreau is another veteran coach mentioned as is Pete DeBoer, if Dallas doesn’t make a run.
I would love to see Peca get a chance but he will be grilled as to how he would be different than Laviolette and how much he was responsible for the drop off this year. Is he blameless or guilt by association? Drury needs to kick over every rock and stone cognizant this likely is his last chance to get it right.
New York Rangers Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»
