The New York Rangers faced a tumultuous season, culminating in the dismissal of head coach Peter Laviolette following their failure to secure a playoff berth. The team initially thrived under Laviolette, boasting a record of 12-4-1, yet suffered a dismal December, which derailed hopes for postseason success.

Players such as Mika Zibanejad and Vincent Trocheck reflected on the pressure of expectations in New York, acknowledging that the coaching changes impacted their performance. The tension increased after controversial trades involving key players like Jacob Trouba and Barclay Goodrow raised concerns in the locker room. With offseason uncertainty looming, the Rangers must regroup and refocus if they hope to return to their previous glory.