Imagine the gut punch of winning the Presidents’ Trophy, the NHL’s ultimate regular-season prize, only to miss the playoffs the next year—not once, but twice in franchise history. For New York Rangers fans, that’s the bitter reality they’re living again in 2024-25, and it’s got them pointing fingers at head coach Peter Laviolette. Yet, amid the frustration, his latest roster move is sparking a rare wave of excitement.
The Rangers’ 2024-25 campaign has been a rollercoaster nobody wanted to ride. After clinching the Presidents’ Trophy last season, they’re now watching the playoffs from the couch, a bitter pill for a fanbase that’s been chanting “No Quit in New York” for years. Criticism of Laviolette has been simmering all season, and it’s reaching a boiling point. Fans and pundits alike are questioning his lineup choices, with some calling his reluctance to play rookies earlier a missed opportunity to spark a struggling squad.
But here’s where things get interesting. Laviolette’s latest move has fans buzzing with a rare dose of optimism. NHL reporter Mollie Walker today on his X handle announced, “Matthew Robertson will make his NHL debut tomorrow for #NYR vs. Panthers, per head coach Peter Laviolette. Expect Gabe Perreault and Brennan Othmann to play, too.” For a fanbase starving for a glimpse of the future, this is Christmas in April. Matthew Robertson, a 2019 second-round pick, has been grinding in the AHL for years, and his call-up feels like a long-overdue. Gabe Perreault and Brennan Othmann, both first-round talents, bring skill and grit that could hint at brighter days for the Blueshirts.
Matthew Robertson will make his NHL debut tomorrow for #NYR vs. Panthers, per head coach Peter Laviolette.
Expect Gabe Perreault and Brennan Othmann to play, too.
— Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) April 13, 2025
Gabe Perreault, the Rangers’ top prospect signed his entry-level contract only to find himself benched for multiple games. Fans scratched their heads, wondering why a kid with Perreault’s pedigree—two World Junior Championships and a stellar Boston College career—wasn’t given more chances to prove himself. Scrapping Perreault and fellow rookie Brennan Othmann during a lost season felt like a head-scratcher, with some arguing it was less about development and more about Laviolette sticking to a rigid game plan.
So, why the mixed vibes? Laviolette’s decision to play the youngsters now, with nothing left to lose, feels like a concession rather than a strategy. Critics argue he’s only doing it because the pressure’s off, not because he trusts the kids. The heat’s not just from the stands—veteran defenseman Calvin de Haan recently aired his grievances after being scratched for 18 straight games, hinting at deeper locker room tensions. His comments after Sunday’s practice in South Florida didn’t hold back, suggesting a disconnect between Laviolette and the players that’s hard to ignore.
Fans irked by New York Rangers coach’s wrong choices
Fans of the New York Rangers are expressing significant frustration with head coach Peter Laviolette, particularly over his handling of the team’s roster and his apparent lack of engagement. Adding to the team’s challenges, veteran defenseman Calvin de Haan has openly shared his dissatisfaction with his treatment by the Rangers. After being a healthy scratch for 18 straight games since his trade from the Colorado Avalanche, de Haan described the situation as “f—ed” and said he feels like he’s “just wasting time”.
The frustration among New York Rangers fans has reached a boiling point, with many calling for the immediate dismissal of Coach Peter Laviolette. Fans have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with his handling of the team, particularly his reluctance to give young players meaningful opportunities while relying on underperforming veterans. One fan commented, “He needs to go. ASAP. A team full of veterans who don’t get it done and talented young guys are scratched. There’s no better way to motivate a young player than to give him TOI. There’s no better way to motivate a veteran than to have him fear losing his spot in the lineup.” This sentiment reflects a widespread belief that Laviolette’s roster management has stifled the team’s potential and contributed to its disappointing season.
Another fan noted, “Wow….finally. FIRE Laviolette and Drury!” This reflects the urgency and anger felt by the fanbase towards both the coach and General Manager Chris Drury, indicating a desire for sweeping changes in the team’s leadership. The demand for change extends beyond just the coach, with another fan stating, “Coach and GM need to be shown the door,” highlighting a call for a complete overhaul of the team’s front office and coaching staff.
The timing of Laviolette’s decision to finally give rookies a chance has also drawn sharp criticism. One fan commented, “Can’t wait for him to be fired, starting them now when the seasons over is a joke,” suggesting that playing young players only when the season is effectively lost is seen as a hollow gesture rather than a strategic move. Another fan demanded, “ALL KIDS SHOULD PLAY REMAINING GAMES, IF LAVI PLAYS VETS HE IS ASKING TO GET FIRED,” emphasizing the belief that the focus should be on developing young talent at this stage.
Despite the outcry, the Rangers’ front office faces a tough call. The mixed emotions—anger at Laviolette’s choices and excitement for the rookies—capture the complexity of the Rangers’ situation. The fanbase’s calls for change are loud, but the organization’s reluctance to pull the trigger on another coaching change adds uncertainty.
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