The New York Rangers played three straight games (wins over the New York Islanders and Nashville Predators, and a loss to the Edmonton Oilers), with the type of effort, focus and defensive commitment that was the standard in 2023-24 when the Rangers won the “Regular Season Championship” aka the Presidents Trophy.
Tonight? They played with the focus reserved for an exhibition game in September. For those of you who didn’t watch the Rangers 2-1 loss to the Calgary Flames at Madison Square Garden, I have two things to say. First, congratulations, you made the right decision. Second, the score is not indicative of the game. Igor Shesterkin was the Rangers only star in a contest that featured the home team giving away the puck 20 times, three lazy penalties, a lack of battle and an inability to get shots to the net. In a word, the game was “embarrassing”.
Due to the incomprehensible 19 game streak in November/December when the Rangers only came up with 8 of a possible 38 points, every game down the stretch is a playoff game. There are only 13 games left and the Rangers are one point out of a playoff spot. If they play with the inspiration they showed against the Islanders, Predators and Oilers, they should make the playoffs. I would venture to say, that if they play with that type of effort and jam every night, even if they don’t make it, Head Coach Peter Laviolette should return. However, if they have even one more performance like tonight where they spit the bit and embarrass themselves, Laviolette must go.
ICYMI Link: “Peter Laviolette Fails to Assert His Authority on his Rangers Team”
GM Chris Drury took a lot of heat, rightfully so, for the Rangers disastrous first half that was fueled by internal strife and controversy of his own making. However, with ownership in his corner, he then proceeded to make 8 trades in 90 days. In total he shipped out seven players from the opening night roster. While the moves were made with an eye on the future, all the key players the Rangers brought in are veterans led by 32-year-old JT Miller.
The Rangers are a win-now team. Win-now, veteran teams can’t miss the playoffs with a veteran coach, and then bring back that same veteran coach despite seeing so many dispirited, disjointed efforts.
Does Laviolette survive? It’s up to his players. If they can play hard for 13 more games (39 periods, 780 minutes) they can keep their coach and probably get a rematch with the Washington Capitals in the first round.
If they repeat what they did tonight (and most of November and December), they’ll be playing golf in April, and for a new coach in September.
ICYMI Link: “New York Rangers Final Trade Deadline Report Card”
