Why the Rangers Coach And GM Deserve Blame For The Club's Slump

There's a not-so-cheery hockey homily that says you can tell when a coach has lost his team. The clues are obvious.

1. The coach says "Do it this way" and the players do it THAT way.

2. The players perform as if they're dead from the neck up.

3. The coach pleads "yes-yes," but there's no-no in the skaters' eyes."

Check the Blueshirts' optics and you might find the definition of BLEARY.

As of this second – not to mention Wednesday's game in Carolina – Peter Laviolette is safe.

And if his club suddenly awakens he very well could finish the year as bench boss.

But historically, Pistol Pete is less effective in his second coaching year. By their works you have to say that the Rangers do not look like they're playing for this coach.

But there are other factors – Lavvy's boss for example.

"Chris Drury didn't do anything in the off-season," complains reader Bernard Rohde in Bethpage, Long Island. "This team's Stanley Cup window has passed them by. "

The team is in trouble and all the Trouba trade talk may have had a negative effect on the dressing room."

How about all the fuss Drury created when he promised there'd be a new – fatter-than-fat – contract for the goalie

That's one thing. How about Iggy's desire – or demand – "To make me the highest paid goalie in the league." That may not have sweetly resonated in the room like sugar in coffee.

Another thing that's hurt The Igman is the loss of his goalie coach, the estimable Benny Allaire who has disappeared into semi-retirement. (Or, was he pushed?)

No question that Allaire's mentorship helped make Shesty a Vezina Trophy-winner. Alas, the cure for this whole, ugly mess is readily available.

Win against the Canes – usually easy meat for New York – then go to Torts Town on Friday and take care of the Flyers.

Do that and everyone will be singing "Hallelujah" and the Smithsonian will want the rights to Lavvy's speech

Lose both and the question will be louder than ever. Is Lavy safe? "No," snaps Guardians Of the Goal author George Grimm. "Nor should he be!"