On Sunday, Dec. 29th, New York Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette met with the media following practice.
Following a 6-2 loss on Saturday at the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Rangers now have sole possession of last place in the Metropolitan Division with 33 points. Here's what Laviolette and Mika Zibanejad had to say to the media following practice ahead of Monday's game against the Florida Panthers.
Significant 12/29/24 Press Conference Moments
When asked by the New York Post's Mollie Walker if the lopsided scores have become alarming or indicative of anything in his eyes:
“It’s tough to paint that with one brush. , the game unfolded in a different way. It wasn’t a 5v5 issue, it unfolded differently," Laviolette said. "The game against Carolina, they score 2 PPGs in the 2nd period. New Jersey, I thought we were flat. So it’s hard just to paint it one way.”
Zibanejad on whether he's disappointed to be taken off the Rangers' PP1 unit.
“I don’t think there’s time for that right now. This has nothing to do with me personally or something that I’m going to make about myself. We’re not in a place in our season to feel sorry for yourself…It’s a different opportunity, it’s another opportunity for that unit with Laffy coming up — and deservedly so. Honestly, just for me, to help the unit that I’m playing on and we go from there.”
Laviolette on changes having been made to the power play.
“It’s not working. We’re working on things, we’re trying things. If eventually they’re not working, you have to move things around a little bit. I don’t know if it’s permanent or not, but right now it’s where it’s at.”
Up Next
The Rangers have a tough road ahead. The Blueshirts now turn their attention to traveling to Florida to take on the Florida Panthers (22-13-2) on Monday, Dec. 30. The Panthers are currently tied for first place in the Atlantic Division with 46 points. Puck drop is slated for 7:00 p.m. EST.