Regardless of problems with the team's core, leadership, drop-offs in individual performance(s), etc, doesn't it seem like a firing of Laviolette (and staff) is imminent?
Based on the same team-wide flaws in execution like failures to defend man-to-man, poor and/or late reads leading to copious odd-man rushes, etc. Fundamentals that shouldn't be an issue. And based on the team's downward trajectory. The team has been generally performing worse over the season, and even during the losing stretch, it seems like they're trending even further downward.
Yes, there are players on the roster that the team might be better off trading, and yes improved performance, if any, may be brief with a new coach. But it seems most likely that the coaching staff is the first domino to fall. If the Rangers attempt to salvage their season, they need to start now -- never mind whether they should or not, they might try -- and if the Rangers do begin a "retool" or "rebuild" phase, it starts a little later, maybe closer the trade deadline and continues in the offseason. I think it's reasonable to assume the coaching staff wouldn't be present for that process, and would be gone before that gets underway.
This is a familiar cycle for these Rangers to be going through, that is true, and it's also a familiar cycle for Peter Laviolette in his long career. I like Laviolette, but the Rangers need to change, and historically, the coaching staff changing is the first step, even if it's not the last step.
