As the New York Rangers continue to rest during their time off, the questions around the league are being focused on the Original Six franchise. One that will tick along as a symptom of a more significant cause is Peter Laviolette. The Blueshirts bench boss has been open about trying to get the best out of this roster, and he hasn't done that this season. Questions are flying around Drury, Kreider, and Trouba, but Laviolette may be a victim of the change.
New York can be ruthless with its coaching decisions, firing Gerard Gallant after two 100+ point campaigns. While there were other factors at play with Gallant, they were relatively minor compared to the current seismic activity in the organization. Laviolette's tried to keep the team treading water, but they're starting to duck under, which could be disastrous for the former Rangers defenseman. He's at risk of joining the unemployment line as teams swap coaches.
Famous for his iconic 1-3-1 scheme that employs a modern twist on the neutral zone trap, Laviolette's systems often draw hatred from people who love the game due to the difficult watch it brings. Given the star talent that the Rangers have on their roster, that's not been too noticeable. New York's traditional defensive problems had a temporary solution last year, insulating the roster when Igor Shesterkin struggled before the all-star break.
Some have argued that Laviolette is the major issue with the roster right now because his system doesn't have a contingency plan. If the 1-3-1 is broken down, it leaves a defenseman exposed at the back, which gives the illusion of poor defense just because of the system's misfiring. That could be what is intensifying the defensive problems of this Rangers roster. That doesn't explain the penalty kill struggling to play well, though, which suggests it's the players rather than the coach.
Either way, it seems Laviolette is set to be a byproduct of the struggles of his roster. Whether that is the right decision or not is a different question. We can debate who they should replace him with when the news does come if it does get to that point, but for now, the Stanley Cup-winning coach has to try and turn this team around, get back to winning ways, and get back to contender status.