Peter Laviolette returns to Madison Square Garden as Kings coach

Los Angeles Kings head coach Peter Laviolette returned to Madison Square Garden on Monday night to face his former team, the New York Rangers. This marks his first appearance at the arena since being dismissed by the Rangers in April 2025.

Laviolette described his two-season tenure in New York as a “tale of two years.” His first season saw the Rangers win the Presidents’ Trophy and set franchise records for wins and points, though the team was eventually eliminated in the conference finals by Florida. His second season resulted in the team missing the playoffs.

After a season-long hiatus following his departure from New York, Laviolette was hired by the Los Angeles Kings in June. He is currently the seventh team he has coached in the NHL, holding 848 career wins.