New York Rangers face backlash after benching Brett Berard despite youth surge

The New York Rangers may be out of the playoff picture, but the drama is far from over. In a stunning turn of events, the Rangers delivered a statement win over the Florida Panthers, the same team that ended their postseason hopes last year. What made the victory even sweeter? It came on the backs of rising stars, proving that the future of Rangers hockey is burning bright. Yet, one controversial coaching decision has cast a shadow over the celebration.


With playoff hopes already dashed after a brutal 7-3 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes, the Rangers had nothing to lose and everything to test. Stepping up to the challenge were three promising young players: Gabe Perreault, Brennan Othmann, and Matthew Robertson, who made his much-anticipated NHL debut. The trio brought energy, speed, and a glimpse of what the next era could look like at Madison Square Garden.
But not all of the Rangers’ young talent saw ice time. Fans were left frustrated as 22-year-old forward Brett Berard was scratched from the lineup, despite strong performances in recent games. Berard was electric against the Islanders, scoring twice and earning praise from head coach Peter Laviolette. Yet, in a puzzling move, he was once again left on the sidelines.

The decision quickly drew backlash. Renowned New York Post journalist Larry Brooks didn't hold back, calling the benching of Berard “infuriating” in a pointed post on X. Brooks questioned Laviolette’s logic, especially considering veteran Sam Carrick who’s seen limited minutes was also scratched. With no clear explanation, fans and media alike are questioning the coach's approach to roster management.
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This isn’t an isolated issue. Laviolette’s reluctance to give consistent ice time to young prospects has been a growing concern throughout the season. In a year where playoff dreams have faded, the New York Rangers have the perfect opportunity to develop their youth and shape their future. Yet, decisions like these are causing friction within the fanbase.
As the season winds down, the spotlight is shifting from playoff contention to player development. The emergence of Perreault, Othmann, and Robertson is a bright spot in a disappointing year. But until promising players like Brett Berard are given consistent opportunities, the full potential of the Rangers’ young core remains untapped. And fans aren’t staying quiet about it.