The New York Rangers have made a big change, firing their head coach, Peter Laviolette, after a disappointing season. This move comes as no surprise, given the team's struggles this year. It's the fourth time in four years that the Rangers have had a new coach, which raises questions about the team's stability and direction.

Laviolette's time with the Rangers was a mix of highs and lows. In his first season, things were looking great. The team set new records for wins and points, even winning the Presidents' Trophy. They came close to making it to the Stanley Cup Final, losing in the Eastern Conference Final. Laviolette's ability to lead teams to the playoffs is impressive—he's done it with six different teams, a feat no other coach has achieved.

However, this past season was a different story. The Rangers took a big step back, missing the playoffs for the first time in four years. The team struggled in many areas, and Laviolette's strategies didn't seem to work as well this time around. He stuck with his veteran players and the systems that had worked before, but it wasn't enough to turn things around.

The blame for this season's failures doesn't fall solely on Laviolette. The team's management, led by president and general manager Chris Drury, and the players themselves share the responsibility. The roster construction and the performance of key players were not up to par. This season was a tough one for the Rangers, and changes were needed.

The Rangers have also let go of associate head coach Phil Housley. However, assistant coaches Dan Muse and Michael Peca will have the chance to interview for the next coaching staff. This could be an opportunity for them to step up and show what they can do. The team is looking to move forward and find a way to get back on track.

The Rangers have a history of quick coaching changes. Before Laviolette, Gerard Gallant was fired after just two seasons. David Quinn was the last coach to last longer than two seasons, from 2018 to 2021. This pattern of frequent changes can make it hard for the team to build consistency and success.

The Rangers need to figure out what went wrong this season and how to fix it. The coaching change is a start, but it's not the only thing that needs to be addressed. The team's management and players also need to take a hard look at their roles in this disappointing season. Only then can the Rangers hope to bounce back and return to their winning ways.

Rangers shake up coaching staff after a tough season

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