The wait is finally over.
The Rangers have named Peter Laviolette their new head coach.
Was this the right hire for the Blueshirts?
We discuss on an emergency episode of “Up In The Blue Seats” podcast with Mollie Walker, Larry Brooks and me.
Up In The Blue Seats Podcast with Mollie Walker, Jake Brown & Larry Brooks:
- LAVIOLETTE HIRE: He was the most qualified to get this job. He’s led three different teams to the Stanley Cup Final, winning one title. The Capitals dealt with a lot of injuries last year when they missed the playoffs under him. The key is looking at his body of work over the past two decades. He’s a competent head coach.
- TRACK RECORD: Rangers were looking for someone with experience who has coached different kinds of teams with different kinds of players. Laviolette has done that. He will be judged after they make the playoffs, not just getting into the playoffs.
- OTHER OPTIONS: They were not gonna go the Joel Quenneville route. Not even sure he will be reinstated this season and NY was not going to be the right place for him. Jay Leach did not think he was ready for the Rangers as much as the Rangers thought they weren’t ready for them. John Hynes has never won a playoff round in his eight years coaching in the NHL. It would have been a tough sell to the players. Laviolette can lead the Rangers through the playoffs.
- CAP SPACE: With limited cap space, filling eight spots with around $12 million in cap space, it is a difficult summer ahead for GM Chris Drury. How is he going to make this work?
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Catch up on all episodes of “Up In The Blue Seats,” a New York Rangers podcast, by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow the crew on Twitter @MollieeWalkerr, @JakeBrownRadio & @NYP_Brooksie.