If there is one thing we have seen from Peter Laviolette in his first season behind the Rangers bench, it is that the head coach does not panic easily. He does not overreact.

That has been true both in the good times of an 18-4-1 start and in the bad times of a 13-12-2 mark over the past two months.

Laviolette talks about the long view and the inevitable peaks and valleys of a season. The message has been absorbed by the players, who often repeat it in their sessions with the press.

Forward lines have been allowed to gestate. Changes in personnel and alignment generally have been dictated by physical issues.