A New, Fresh Look-Insight Into The 2024-2025 Rangers Blundering And Why Coaches Like Lavvy Never Win

One of the most compelling insights into the Rangers' abjectly disappointing 2024-25 season comes by way of Toronto via the son of an ex-Islander.

Justin Bourne – offspring of 4-time Cup-winner Bob Bourne – has emerged as one of the continent's foremost hockey analysts.

In his most recent study, Justin starts off with the recent firing of Dallas Stars' hugely-winning coach Peter Deboer. 

How could a bench boss get canned after he steered his Stars for three straight seasons to the Conference Final; plus DeBoer crafted Dallas into the rare Elite Circle of NHL teams.

Bourne's conclusion: Players rule the roost; coaches have become roughly equivalent to disposable takeout coffee containers.

"We are in the era of Player Empowerment," says Bourne. "The easiest way to make a change is to fire the coach."

Players are making their biggest dough ever and rule the roost. Try to understand how it affected the Rangers who long ago should have traded Mika Zibanejad and the other Blueshirt malingerers. 

Once the Rangers sensed in mid-season (after Christmas) that Peter Laviolette was a goner they essentially stopped playing for him. 

Why would Mika give a darn? He has what Lavvy didn't have – the dreaded No Trade Clause. ("What? Me Worry?")

What happens if dough-happy, slap-happy, puck-happy Igor Shestorkin stinks out the joint next season? NADA! The only way Chris Drury can move him is into a suite at the Waldorf-Astoria.

Laviolette knew it; Peter Deboer, who's as good a coach as any in captivity, sensed it.  He spoke truth about how his high-priced goalie failed the team.

For his honesty, DeBoer now is an ex-coach. Justin Bourne is right – Player Empowerment rules!