Every week, The Maven opens his column for questions about the Blueshirts. The following gem comes via Sid Melton of Troy, N.Y.
"IN THE LIGHT OF NHL COACHING CHANGES ALREADY MADE, HOW SECURE IS PETER LAVIOLETTE BEHIND THE RANGERS BENCH?
The Maven responds: "There are a couple of significant ways to judge Lavvy's performance and his security with the Blueshirts.
1. RECORD WITH THE RANGERS: Laviolette's ability to steer the Blueshirts to the best overall NHL record – the Presidents' Trophy – last season was a remarkable feat. It also gives him a little more security now -- but not for long. Should the club continue to tailspin – which, by the way, I don't think will happen – Lavvy could be gone by February.
2. DRURY – AS WELL AS THE FANS' PATIENCE: No sports bloc is more devoted than Rangers rooters. But they have no patience with a fat cat team that keeps failing to deliver against winning clubs. Nor do they understand why in the world Lavvy continues to defy logic while employing Mika Zabanejad in key situations.
As far as Chris Drury is concerned, the Presidents' Trophy has disappeared from his rear view mirror along with the club reaching the third playoff round. What matters is now – that is, winning the next two games – and the next month. With a 12-8-1 record, the Rangers are right in the mix, but slipping fast.
Drury knows that his job equally is in jeopardy if the club fades. As I said above, I believe that Laviolette will be fired in February if the club hasn't escaped its current funk. One thing we know for certain; Laviolette's second year behind the bench usually is worse than his first!
