Danny Wild-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/de5059bf-2366-469d-b3af-766748754d3d.jpeg] Danny Wild-Imagn Images The New York Rangers have officially fired Peter Laviolette. Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury announced on Saturday that he has relieved both Laviolette and associate head coach Phil Housley of their duties. “Today I informed Peter Laviolette and Phil Housley that we’re making a coaching change,” Drury said. “I want to thank them both and wish them and their families all the best going forward. Peter is first class all the way, both professionally and personally, and I am truly grateful for his passion and dedication to the Rangers in his time as head coach.” Laviolette served as the Rangers head coach for just two seasons as he was entering the final year of his contract with the team. In his first season coaching the Rangers, he helped lead them to win the Presidents’ Trophy and reach the Eastern Conference Final. However, the Rangers failed to even make the playoffs this season, which led to Drury's decision to fire Laviolette and Housley. “After finishing with the best regular season record in the NHL a year ago and making a trip to the Eastern Conference Final, we came into this season with high expectations for ourselves,” said Drury. “Quite simply, we failed to meet those expectations. We must all do better – myself included. As we head into next season and beyond, I felt that a change was necessary in order to give us the best chance to achieve our goals as an organization. Our search for a new head coach will begin immediately.” Now, the Rangers are left in a familiar situation looking for yet another coach.
