Rangers tab Laviolette as next head coach

*Photo from WITF*

   There's a new leader in the big apple. The New York Rangers have hired Peter Laviolette as their next head coach, according to an announcement by the Rangers on Tuesday.

   Rangers GM Chris Drury said of the hiring that "We are thrilled that Peter will be the next head coach of the New York Rangers. With Peter's extensive experience as a head coach in the National Hockey League, as well as the success his teams have had at several levels throughout his career, we are excited about what the future holds with him leading our team."

   Following a first round loss to the New Jersey Devils, the Rangers fired Gerard Gallant as head coach. Laviolette was previously head coach of the Washington Capitals, with the two parting ways at the end of the regular season. The Capitals didn't advance past the first round of the playoffs in Laviolette's 3 seasons.

   In Washington, the Capitals were decimated by injuries and underperformance, finishing the season with a 35-37-10 record and 12 points out of a playoff spot in the eastern conference. Stars including John Carlson, Tom Wilson, and Nicklas Backstrom each played less than half the season.

   Previously, Laviolette coached the Capitals, Nashville Predators, New York Islanders, Philadelphia Flyers, and Carolina Hurricanes, amassing a career 752-503-150 record with 25 ties. He is one of 4 coaches to reach the Stanley Cup Final with 3 different teams, and won the cup in 2006.

   Rangers owner James Dolan said of the hiring that "I would like to welcome Peter to the New York Rangers. Peter's impressive resume, which includes winning a Stanley Cup and advancing to the Final with three different teams, has made him one of the most respected coaches in the League. As we move forward in our goal to consistently contend for the Stanley Cup, I am confident that Peter is the right head coach to lead our team."

   With the hiring of Laviolette, the Columbus Blue Jackets are the only team without a head coach. Spencer Carbery, Andrew Brunette, Ryan Huska, and Greg Cronin were hired before Laviolette this offseason.