New York Rangers players are getting used to change, as they will have a third head coach since 2021 at the start of next season. They hope that the magic of Peter Laviolette will work quickly.
The 58-year-old American has captained a team every year since 2001-2002. His stint in Washington did not produce the expected success, but his very good reputation precedes it.
“From everything I’ve heard, he’s a great coach. Obviously, we will learn more when we play for him. He looks like a pretty simple guy,” defenseman Adam Fox told the New York Post.
Laviolette led the New York Islanders, the Carolina Hurricanes – with whom he won a Stanley Cup – the Nashville Predators and the Capitals. His style of play seems to appeal to his new proteges, who were able to exchange with him briefly during the summer.
“My impression is that his teams have always been difficult to face,” Chris Kreider told the New York daily. Recently, we remember the Washington team, but even more those of Nashville, who were immensely tough to play against.
It was with the “Preds” that Laviolette last reached the grand final, in 2016-2017. The Rangers took part nine years ago, being defeated by the Los Angeles Kings. The Blueshirts have been close to the goal for a long time.
New systems?
This change at the helm could help young players like Alexis Lafrenière and Kaapo Kakko find their way into the National League. For established veterans like Mika Zibanejad, it will be a case of continuing in the same vein. The Swede had his best seasons under Gerard Gallant.
“Personally, in terms of my game, I hope I can continue to play the same way. Obviously, it will certainly be different in terms of structure and the way he wants to play the team. I’m sure he knows most of us and how we play and how we can use our strengths in this system.”
Last spring, the Rangers were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the New Jersey Devils.
2023-08-04 15:52:42
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