Is Peter Laviolette Begging to Be Fired?

The only real counter-argument to ever exist for not firing Peter Laviolette months ago was the notion that this team didn’t deserve yet another chance with a third head coach. Well, whether or not they deserve it, they’re going to get one next season. Given how this season has gone, it’s hard to imagine Laviolette behind the bench to start next season.

The question is, with just a handful of games remaining in the season, is he going to make it five more games until the end? 

It’s surely too little, too late at this point, but after Monday night’s abysmal loss— roughly the 15th truly terrible one this season—it sure doesn’t sound like Laviolette has anything left to give this team. Judging by one of his post game quotes, it also sounds like he, similar to many of us, is begging to be put out of his misery: 

“I don’t have a message right now, I don’t go into the locker room after the games.” 

First of all, we know that hasn’t always been the case. There’s been plenty of clips and videos—albeit mainly from last season—that have shown Laviolette talking to the team after games, or at least being around the room. Just a season ago we were singing this guy’s praises for being such a key part in bringing this team together, creating a family-like workplace, and doing all the right things a coach could do. What could possibly have changed in such a short amount of time? 

Secondly, what do you mean you don’t go into the locker room after games? That is quite literally a coach's job. You prepare them for the game, and talk to them before, during, and after. Part of the reason I feel like this is a cry for help is I’m sure that hasn’t always been the case this season. However, after so many disastrous, effortless losses, whatever message you have for this team is likely falling on deaf ears, and has been for a while. That said, part of me doesn’t blame Laviolette for not going in there after games. I wouldn’t know what to say to these guys at this point either.