The New York Rangers made headlines this weekend, firing head coach Peter Laviolette after missing the NHL Playoffs. Laviolette, who spent two seasons with the Rangers, exits following a 39-36-7 record this year, a disappointing finish for a franchise with high expectations. General manager Chris Drury announced the move just as the Stanley Cup Playoffs kicked off, leaving fans and analysts speculating about the team’s next steps.
With Laviolette’s departure, attention now turns to possible replacements. Phil Housley, a respected NHL assistant and former head coach, is among the names circulating in coaching discussions, though no official announcements have been made. Housley’s experience behind the bench could make him a strong candidate for teams looking to reset after a tough season.
Meanwhile, the NHL postseason is underway. Today’s schedule features marquee matchups: New Jersey Devils at Carolina Hurricanes (3:0 PM ET), Ottawa Senators at Toronto Maple Leafs (7:0 PM ET), and Minnesota Wild at Vegas Golden Knights (1:0 PM ET)9. The first round is already delivering high-stakes hockey, with fans eager to see who will step up in the absence of big-name coaches like Laviolette.
As playoff action heats up, all eyes remain on the coaching carousel—and which bench Phil Housley might land on next.
