Alain Vigneault couldn't have sounded more confident about his future as the Rangers' coach when the Penguins visited New York a month ago.
Heck, he couldn't have sounded more confident this morning.
But by nightfall ...
OFFICIAL: #NYR Head Coach Alain Vigneault has been relieved of his coaching duties.
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) April 8, 2018
New York management, which in February stunned the hockey world and their fan base, by mailing a letter to their season-ticket holders announcing the intention to trade veterans for prospects, fired Vigneault on Saturday night after the Rangers finished 34-39-9 with a 5-0 afternoon loss in Philadelphia.
Speaking following the Saturday morning skate, he took the initiative to tell reporters about the job he and his staff had done since that letter and since several major players were traded: Rick Nash, Michael Grabner, J.T. Miller and Ryan McDonagh. Asked if he expected to be back next season, he replied, "Yes, yes, without a doubt. I think my staff is the right staff for this job. ... I think one of the strongest assets of this organization is its coaching staff and their experience."
Vigneault, 56, took over behind the New York bench for 2013-14 and reached the Stanley Cup Final that season, then won the Presidents' Trophy the following season. He had a 226-147-37 record, and his Rangers twice eliminated the Penguins from the playoffs.
Press release from the Rangers' official site.