Gerard Gallant, the former head coach of the New York Rangers, has parted ways with the team following their early playoff exit in 2023. The decision was announced by the Rangers on Monday, June 5th, 2023, and it has left many fans and analysts wondering what led to the separation.
Gallant was hired by the Rangers in June 2022, after the team had missed the playoffs for the third consecutive season. He was brought in to help turn around the team’s fortunes and lead them back to the postseason. In his first season as head coach, Gallant was able to guide the Rangers to a 42-26-14 record, which was good enough for third place in the Metropolitan Division.
However, despite their regular season success, the Rangers were unable to make it past the first round of the playoffs. They were eliminated in six games by the Pittsburgh Penguins, who went on to win the Stanley Cup. This early exit was seen as a disappointment by many, and it ultimately led to Gallant’s departure from the team.
There are several factors that may have contributed to Gallant’s departure from the Rangers. One of the main issues was the team’s lack of depth at center. The Rangers were forced to rely heavily on their top line of Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, and Kaapo Kakko, which made it difficult for them to generate offense from other lines. This lack of depth was exposed in the playoffs, as the Penguins were able to shut down the Rangers’ top line and limit their scoring chances.
Another factor that may have played a role in Gallant’s departure was his coaching style. Gallant is known for being a players’ coach, who emphasizes communication and trust with his players. While this approach can be effective, it can also lead to a lack of discipline and accountability. Some analysts have suggested that Gallant may have been too lenient with his players, which could have contributed to their lack of success in the playoffs.
Despite the disappointing end to his tenure with the Rangers, Gallant is still considered to be one of the top coaches in the NHL. He has a career record of 270-216-4-51, and he has led teams to the playoffs in five of his eight seasons as a head coach. It is likely that he will be sought after by other teams in the league, and he may even be considered for the vacant head coaching position with the Seattle Kraken.
In the end, the decision to part ways with Gallant was likely a difficult one for the Rangers. He was well-liked by his players and had a good relationship with the front office. However, the team’s lack of success in the playoffs ultimately made it difficult for them to justify keeping him on as head coach. It remains to be seen who will replace Gallant, but the Rangers will likely be looking for a coach who can help them take the next step and compete for a Stanley Cup.
