Rangers Coach Cautions: No Guarantees for Stanley Cup Contenders…
Despite the New York Rangers’ strong performance last season and their appearances in the Eastern Conference Final in two of the last three years, head coach Peter Laviolette emphasizes that future success isn’t guaranteed. In the unpredictable world of the NHL, progress isn’t always linear.
During the opening of training camp, Laviolette stressed this point to his team. “Every team likes to believe there’s a next step, but that’s not always the case,” he said. “That’s why it’s crucial to focus on team growth and daily effort. We were good at that last year, but this is a new season, and we need this group to put in the work every day.”
Laviolette made it clear that just because the Rangers came close to reaching the Stanley Cup Final last season, or because their core roster remains intact, there’s no guarantee of another deep playoff run. The Florida Panthers offer a cautionary tale. They won the Presidents’ Trophy in 2021-22 but faltered in the playoffs. The next year, they reached the Stanley Cup Final but lost to the Vegas Golden Knights. It wasn’t until last season that they finally captured their first-ever Stanley Cup championship.
Laviolette acknowledges the Rangers are on a similar path, but nothing is assured. “If you put in enough good work during the season, you can build a team and confidence that leads to playoff success,” he said. “But no one knows how it will end. There’s a lot of work ahead for everyone.”
In his second season with the Rangers, Laviolette remains focused on “attacking each day” rather than looking at the big picture. His first year saw the team buy into his system, with a greater commitment to team defense, improved neutral zone play, and more intense practices. The Rangers broke franchise records with 55 wins, 114 points, and their fourth Presidents’ Trophy. They even started the playoffs with a 7-0 run before falling just short of the Cup Final.
Laviolette stresses that maintaining the same mindset is key for the 2024-25 season. “We never talked about winning the Presidents’ Trophy as a goal,” he explained. “The focus was always on having good days, getting better as the season went on, and winning games. It’s all about short-term goals and attacking each day. That approach won’t change.”
Laviolette also praised the team for their off-ice camaraderie and competitive spirit on the ice. While these qualities are valuable, he cautions that they don’t guarantee a Stanley Cup victory. For now, the Rangers remain committed to focusing on daily progress and short-term goals as they enter a new season.
