Results of a Rangers fan survey: Laviolette and playoff confidence, but not Drury – The Athletic

As the NHL season progresses, fan sentiment often plays a critical role in understanding the temperature of a team and its fanbase. For the New York Rangers, a storied franchise that has had its share of ups and downs in recent years, gauging the pulse of the fanbase is essential for the team’s direction moving forward. In this article, we delve into the results of a Rangers fan survey conducted by The Athletic, shedding light on the fanbase’s perceptions of key figures within the organization, including head coach Peter Laviolette, general manager Chris Drury, and the overall confidence in the team’s playoff prospects.

The Rangers’ Roller Coaster Ride: A Fanbase Divided

The New York Rangers’ journey in recent seasons has been marked by both tantalizing success and frustrating inconsistencies. The team has been in contention for a deep playoff run, but there has always been a lingering question about whether they are truly a Stanley Cup contender. The decision to bring in head coach Peter Laviolette and general manager Chris Drury’s moves have been met with varying degrees of optimism and skepticism, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding the team’s ability to close the gap between themselves and true championship contenders.

Given this roller coaster experience, The Athletic conducted a fan survey to gauge Rangers supporters’ thoughts on key leadership figures and their confidence in the team’s playoff aspirations. Here are the key findings of that survey, and what they reveal about the state of the Rangers franchise.

Peter Laviolette: A Breath of Fresh Air for Rangers Fans

One of the most significant changes for the Rangers in the past year was the hiring of Peter Laviolette as head coach. Laviolette, a well-traveled coach with a proven track record of success, was brought in to replace Gerard Gallant, who had led the team through several successful seasons but was ultimately let go after the Rangers were ousted in the playoffs once again.

For Laviolette, the challenge was clear: restore a sense of consistency and stability, bring out the best in his star players, and ensure the Rangers were a formidable opponent in the postseason. In the survey, Rangers fans overwhelmingly expressed confidence in Laviolette’s leadership. Approximately 80% of respondents indicated that they were either “confident” or “somewhat confident” in Laviolette’s ability to lead the team to success.

Laviolette’s Reputation and Experience Shine Through

The fans’ confidence in Laviolette can be attributed to several factors, not the least of which is his reputation as a proven winner. Over the course of his career, Laviolette has coached several NHL teams, including the Carolina Hurricanes, Philadelphia Flyers, and Nashville Predators, leading the Hurricanes to a Stanley Cup championship in 2006 and consistently getting his teams into playoff contention. His pedigree and experience in high-stakes situations have given Rangers fans reason to believe that he is the right person to guide the team to the promised land.

Another key factor that resonates with Rangers fans is Laviolette’s no-nonsense, structured approach to coaching. His emphasis on defensive responsibility and his ability to get the most out of his players have been well received. The Rangers have had a tendency to be a high-flying offensive team, but fans seem to appreciate Laviolette’s balance between offense and defense—something that the Rangers have struggled with in the past. As the survey results show, fans are hopeful that Laviolette can bring a new level of discipline to a team that has often been inconsistent.

Optimism and Expectations

While there is undeniable optimism surrounding Laviolette’s leadership, fans are also cautiously optimistic about the team’s overall playoff prospects. Laviolette’s track record and the team’s early success under his guidance have generated positive energy, but there is also an underlying sense of expectation. Fans are well aware of the talent the Rangers possess, and they expect results. The question that looms is whether Laviolette can harness the team’s potential and take them deep into the playoffs, especially after the Rangers’ disappointing postseason performances in recent years.

While Laviolette has clearly gained the backing of the fanbase, there is also recognition that coaching is only one part of the equation. The team’s success will ultimately depend on how well the players perform on the ice, and whether they can consistently execute a well-rounded game.

Chris Drury: Skepticism Surrounding the General Manager

In contrast to the overwhelming support for Laviolette, Chris Drury, the Rangers’ general manager, received a much more divided response. Drury, who took over as GM in 2021, has made a series of bold moves, including trading for Vladimir Tarasenko and acquiring other pieces to bolster the team’s depth. However, despite some strong moves, Drury’s tenure has been met with mixed reviews.

According to the fan survey, only 45% of respondents expressed confidence in Drury’s ability to build a championship-caliber team, with another 30% expressing skepticism about his decisions. The remaining 25% remained neutral or uncertain.

The Good, the Bad, and the Questionable

Supporters who are confident in Drury’s abilities point to several positive acquisitions he’s made, particularly the Tarasenko trade, which added depth and skill to the Rangers’ top-six forwards. Drury has also been instrumental in re-signing key players like Mika Zibanejad and Adam Fox, ensuring that the Rangers remain competitive in the long term.

However, there are still significant question marks surrounding Drury’s moves. One area of concern is his handling of the Rangers’ defensive depth. While the Rangers’ blue line is led by elite players like Fox and Jacob Trouba, the team has at times been thin on the back end, especially when dealing with injuries or when looking to add a true top-four defenseman. Fans have voiced frustration over the lack of significant additions to address this area, especially given that defense is often the key to winning in the postseason.

Another criticism that fans have of Drury is his inability to pull off a blockbuster trade that could push the Rangers over the top. The team has remained competitive but has yet to make a significant deal that many believe is necessary to solidify their position as a legitimate Cup contender. Fans are particularly vocal about the Rangers’ struggles in terms of acquiring a true second-line center, which has been a long-standing need.

The Playoff Question

Another area where Drury’s performance has been under scrutiny is his ability to assemble a team that can perform consistently in the postseason. The Rangers have been a solid regular-season team under his leadership, but their playoff performances have left much to be desired. Drury’s inability to make significant moves that improve the team’s chances of succeeding in the playoffs has led some fans to question his ability to get the team over the hump.

Fans want to see a sustained level of success in the postseason, and there is a sense that Drury has yet to fully capitalize on the team’s potential. While it’s clear that he has brought in some good talent, the question remains whether he can complete the roster in a way that will push the Rangers to the next level.

Playoff Confidence: A Mixed Outlook for the Rangers

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Drury, there is a general sense of optimism regarding the Rangers’ playoff chances, especially under Laviolette’s leadership. In the survey, 60% of Rangers fans expressed confidence that the team will make the playoffs, with 40% saying they were unsure or had low confidence in the team’s postseason prospects.

The optimism stems from the Rangers’ talented roster, which boasts elite players like Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, Igor Shesterkin, and Adam Fox. The combination of these stars, along with the solid structure and leadership provided by Laviolette, gives fans reason to believe that the Rangers will be able to secure a playoff spot. Furthermore, the team’s depth on offense and defense gives them the ability to match up against a variety of opponents.

However, the caveat is that fans are wary of the team’s past playoff shortcomings. Despite having the talent to compete for a Cup, the Rangers have often faltered in key moments. Fans want to see the team improve its consistency and perform well under pressure, particularly in the postseason, where the stakes are highest. The team’s success in the regular season is important, but Rangers fans are more focused on how the team will perform when the intensity ramps up in the playoffs.