BYE-BYE VIGGY
Vigneault era over as Rangers fire coach after 5-year run
PHILADELPHIA — A new era needs a new voice, and for all of Alain Vigneault’s successes — which he went out of his way to remind everyone of early Saturday evening — it was time for a change.
The Rangers wasted no time making that change, firing Vigneault late Saturday night just hours after he stood outside the visitors locker room here vehemently defending his coaching ability and resume, canning the 56-year-old after five seasons on Broadway.
Vigneault, who took the Rangers to the Stanley Cup Final in 2013-14 during his first year with the club, finished with a 226-147-37 regular-season record, a 31-30 playoff record and won six playoff rounds. But this season, the Blueshirts missed the playoffs for the first time since 2009-10 and for just the second time since the 200405 lockout.
It’s almost as if Vigneault was poking the bear after the Rangers’ 5-0 loss to the Flyers in the season finale, knowing full well his seat was hot while he reeled off all of his accomplishments with Montreal, Vancouver and New York. Or maybe he was making a case to other teams, even though he said he expected to be back with the Rangers.
“Yes, yes. Without a doubt,” said Vigneault, who last season signed a two-year extension through 2019-20 for approximately $4 million per season. “I think my staff is the right staff for this job. This is just my opinion, but I think one of the strongest assets of this organization is its coaching staff and their experience.”
Apparently Jeff Gorton and Co. did not agree. The rebuilding club has a new vision after defensive issues and a little physical pushback pockmarked the Rangers’ performances over the last three years.
It all started so well for the Quebecker, bringing the Rangers back to the Cup Final for the first time since 1994, losing a tough five-game series to the Kings in which two games went to double-overtime and another single-overtime. A Presidents’ Trophy, Vigneault’s third, followed in 2014-15 when he was a Jack Adams finalist. The Rangers came to within a game of getting back to the Cup Final, being shut out by Tampa Bay at home in Game 7 of the conference final.
Henrik Lundqvist made up for poor defensive play in 2015-16 before the Rangers were bounced in the first round by Pittsburgh in embarrassing fashion. Last season, the Blueshirts exceeded expectations for much of the year before their play slipped over the final month.
Yet they defeated Montreal in the first round before crippling defensive miscues and questionable deployment cost them another conference final appearance in a six-game AP & GETTY defeat to Ottawa.
And there’s been a noticeable lack of edge under a coach who had little-to-no patience for extracurricular activities that could leave the team shorthanded.
This year’s roster was flawed even before the Rangers sold off at the deadline, but it was a bad look for Vigneault to not take an iota of responsibility for the Rangers’ 34-39-9 campaign.
Vl l l
Led the Penguins to a Stanley Cup win in 2008-09. Coached Pittsburgh for five seasons and Buffalo for two.
Coach of University of Wisconsin and just coached Team USA at the 2018 Olympics. Was drafted by the Rangers in 1982. Has NHL head coaching experience with Colorado.
Coach of the AHL Toronto Marlies, the affiliate of the Maple Leafs. At 37 years old, would be a young, fresh face.
Head coach of the University of Denver, which he led to an NCAA title last season and a Frozen Four appearance the season prior.
In his fourth season with the Capitals as an assistant coach, second as associate coach, handling the defense and power play. Was also an assistant in Pittsburgh.
Won two Stanley Cups during a six-year run with the Kings that ended after last season. Has coached parts of 18 NHL seasons with Chicago, San Jose, Calgary and L.A.
Has 14 years of NHL coaching experience with the Stars and Coyotes. l l l “At the end of the day, for coaches, you have to coach the team you have in front of you,” Vigneault said. igneault is a nice man and was a good representative for the organization for five seasons. He is 10th all-time in NHL coaching wins, has been to two Cup Finals but has yet to win it all. At the time he received his extension it was well-deserved.
But the franchise is ushering in a new era now. It needs a new voice, a new message behind the bench.
Au revoir.