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Peter Laviolette’s Rangers: Pucks, Plans, and a Fresh Start

By Marvin Azrak

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 18: Alexis Lafrenière #13 of the New York Rangers during warm up prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on March 18, 2023 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 18: Alexis Lafrenière #13 of the New York Rangers during warm up prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on March 18, 2023 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Getty Images) /
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Step into the world of Peter Laviolette’s New York Rangers: A fresh chapter in New York’s hockey legacy, where pucks, plans, and a winning spirit collide

New York Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette may not have dropped any surprises in his first press conference of training camp on Wednesday.
However, he dropped some exciting tidbits to watch for over the next month leading up to the regular season. Let’s break it down.

First, Laviolette said  Alexis Lafreniere will start on the right side. “He’s going to play some on the right side,” Laviolette spilled the beans. That’s not to say he won’t moonwalk back to the left, but he’ll be on the right to start camp.

Coach Laviolette’s Bold Moves and Leadership Stance:

Now, about that “Kid Line” of Kaapo Kakko, Filip Chytil, and Lafreniere– they had fun, but it’s time to see which one grows up to handle top-six duty. And don’t forget about Blake Wheeler, the 37-year-old veteran who’ll start on the third line. Laviolette’s saying, “Age before beauty, kids!”

Laviolette also had several chats with Blueshirts captain Jacob Trouba. There is no changing the leadership group here, folks. “I had a lot of really good conversations with Jacob Toruba,” Laviolette shared. “He’s a great leader, and he cares deeply about this team and his teammates.”

Laviolette spoke on Wednesday like someone who’s got an open mind. He’s mixing and matching lines like it’s a puzzle. “I told the players “My eyes are wide open. The staff’s eyes are wide open. Come in here and take what you want – push for what you want – and I’m sure we won’t miss it.” “You can be both hardworking and skilled,” he noted. “For me, I don’t treat anyone differently. Everyone is a part of the New York Rangers.”

Laviolette added that the team would conduct more on-ice testing on Thursday before getting into his “Systems” and tactics on Friday. The Rangers will begin their preseason on Sunday at the Boston Bruins in TD Garden.
The puck drop is at 5 PM ET.

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