Advertisement

Rangers, head coach Gerard Gallant agree to part ways following early playoff exit

Alex Smith
·2 min read
8
Dec 3, 2021; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers head coach Gerard Gallant speaks to the media after a 1-0 win against the San Jose Sharks at Madison Square Garden.

Gerard Gallant is out following two seasons as Rangers head coach.

The Blueshirts announced on Saturday that both sides agreed to part ways following the team’s first round playoff exit at the hands of the Devils.

"I want to first thank Gerard for his work and commitment to the Rangers during his time as head coach,” GM Chris Drury said in a statement. "I have a ton of respect for Gerard as both a coach and person and truly appreciate everything he did for us on and off the ice these last two seasons.

"After my evaluation of the season and discussions with Gerard, we mutually came to the conclusion that a change would be beneficial for both parties. I wish he and his family all the best in the future. Our search for a new head coach will begin right away."

In two seasons with the Rangers, Gallant had a regular season record of 99-46-19. While he led the Rangers to an Eastern Conference Finals appearance last season, the Rangers disappointed in the playoffs this time around, falling to New Jersey in seven games after taking a 2-0 series lead.

Gallant made some interesting comments following the 4-0 loss in Game 7, calling out the team’s chemistry and work ethic.

“Talent doesn't mean a thing," Gallant said. "It's great to have talent, but when you gotta play together and work together, obviously the four games that we lost we had two goals, so that's the bottom line," he added. "You're not gonna win if you get two goals in four games that you lost. We scored five in the other ones that we won.

"Like I said, I love to have talent, but you love to have a work ethic and more forechecking and stuff like that and we just didn't get it done."

In a statement released Saturday, the veteran head coach thanked Drury and the organization for the opportunity.

"I would like to thank Mr. Dolan, Chris and the Rangers organization for giving me the opportunity to be their head coach these last two seasons," said Gallant. "The experience of coaching an Original Six franchise with such rich history and an incredibly passionate fanbase is something I will never forget."