Opinion: Peter Laviolette and John Hynes, two “illogical” candidates in New York City

Peter Laviolette and John Hynes.

Right now, these two names are seen as the favorites for the vacant head coaching position in New York (Rangers). The former had a big lead over everyone else before the latter was fired by the Predators…

And now, all is open for business, even if Laviolette still seems to have the upper hand in the race.

Personally, I find it a little surprising to see Laviolette so much in the running for the job in the Big Apple, and I’ll explain why.

Peter Laviolette has coached the Washington Capitals for the past three seasons. Under his leadership, the Caps were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs following his first two years on the bench…

And in 22-23, he was unable to lead his club to a playoff appearance. But the point that attracts me is that Laviolette hasn’t been able to “make things work” with his star players. So much so, thatEvgeny Kuznetsov sought to leave the team because he didn’t like his coach’s style of play.

God knows, New York is full of star players. Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, Adam Fox, Igor Shesterkin, Chris Kreider…

Is he really the best candidate to handle all the pressure that comes with a market like the Rangers, especially as the team boasts several extremely talented players?

Yes, it’s true that Laviolette has a lot of experience in the National League. Let’s not forget that he won the Stanley Cup with the Hurricanes in 2006 and led the Predateurs to the final in the 2016-2017 season…

But since then, his club has never made it past the second round of the playoffs. Does he have what it takes to take the Rangers to the next level?

The case of John Hynes is somewhat similar. Since his debut as head coach in the National League in 2015-2016, his club has missed the playoffs on four occasions in eight seasons and never made it past the first round.

I’ll say it again, and I’m not afraid to repeat it: the pressure’s on in New York.

Expectations are high for the Blue Shirts year after year, and they’re still looking to take the next step there, especially since the team lost in the finals during the 2013-2014 season.

John Hynes and Peter Laviolette may be interesting candidates in terms of their experience in the field hockey world… But I find it hard to believe that they are the two best choices available right now for the New York team.

And, meanwhile, Patrick Roy has just handed…

Never mind.

Breaking news

– Phew. To be continued.

– With good reason.

– Tomas Tatar in San Jose?

– Well done.