Chris Drury not limiting Rangers coaching search after Peter Laviolette firing with own seat heating up

Join Post Sports+ for exciting member-only features, including real-time texting with Mollie Walker about the inside buzz on the Rangers.There was no reason to delay, no reason to have a Gerard Gallant 2.0-type situation.There was no doubt Peter Laviolette had to be relieved of his Rangers head-coaching duties, after the second-year bench boss oversaw one of the steepest downfalls from season to season in NHL history.The Rangers made it official Saturday afternoon to avoid trotting out Laviolette on break-up day Monday to face the scrutiny — unlike Gallant, who was canned three days after fielding questions following the team’s first-round exit two years ago.It is just as clear now as it was then that a fresh start is needed.

There was no need to drag it out.So the Rangers are on the hunt for their fourth coach since the 2020-21 season, with Laviolette following Gallant (2021-23) and David Quinn (2018-21) out the door in the past four years.Associate head coach Phil Housley was also fired, but assistant coaches Dan Muse and Michael Peca will have the chance to interview for the next coaching staff, according to a source.“Leading into the season, given the success we had the last few years, we had high expectations.Quite simply, we fell short across the board,” president and general manager Chris Drury said on a conference call Saturday.

“Nobody here takes it lightly.We know our fans are frustrated, and they deserve a better season than this.

It starts with me.I need to do a better job, and give the staff and players the opportunity to succeed.“And while ultimately I made the decision a new voice was needed behind the bench, everyone here — players, management, staff — need to take ownership of this season and will be having direct, honest conversations during exit meetings on Monday about what our expectations are for the summer and moving forward, getting ready for next season.”The Blueshirts became the sixth team to hire and fire Lavi...