The New York Rangers have made a significant change in their coaching staff, firing Peter Laviolette after a disappointing season that saw the team miss the playoffs following a Presidents' Trophy win the previous year. General Manager Chris Drury expressed the need for improvement and acknowledged the failure to meet the high expectations set after their Eastern Conference Final appearance last season. Alongside Laviolette, associate head coach Phil Housley has also been let go. This move comes after a season characterized by a lack of consistency, including a troubling stretch of 15 losses that brought the team down to .500.

The Rangers' performance metrics were alarming, with a significant drop in goals against and power play efficiency compared to the previous season. Players like Igor Shesterkin and Chris Kreider experienced declines in performance, contributing to the team's failure to secure a playoff position. The organization will begin its search for a new head coach immediately, marking a shift in strategy as they look to reclaim their status as a contender in the NHL.