Peter Laviolette and Rod Brind’Amour, former coach and captain of the Carolina Hurricanes, will now face off as head coaches of the New York Rangers and the Hurricanes, respectively, in the second round of the 2024 playoffs. This matchup comes 17 years after they won a Stanley Cup together in Raleigh. Since then, Brind’Amour retired as a player in 2010 and became a coach, while Laviolette went on to coach four more teams, leading two of them to the final. Both have yet to win another Stanley Cup, making this playoff series a significant reunion of former partners turned adversaries.
Laviolette and Brind’Amour are only the second pair of head coaches in NHL history to meet in a playoff series after previously winning a Cup together as a captain-coach duo. The last time this occurred was in 1947, with a matchup between Dick Irvin and Hap Day. The immense mutual respect between Laviolette and Brind’Amour is evident as they prepare for the upcoming series, a bond that was sealed with the victory they achieved together. Both coaches are known for their detail-oriented, motivating leadership styles and focus on team camaraderie, qualities they picked up from each other during their time in Carolina.
Despite being on opposing sides now, Laviolette and Brind’Amour maintain a strong bond that extends beyond just hockey. When Brind’Amour’s father passed away, Laviolette reached out immediately, showcasing the kind of relationship they have. The belief and sense of family that Laviolette instilled in his players during their Cup-winning season have had a lasting impact on Brind’Amour, shaping him into the coach he is today. This shared experience of success has helped both coaches in their respective careers, leading them to where they are now, facing off as competitors.
The Rangers, under Laviolette’s coaching, were one of the most successful teams in the NHL during the season, winning the Presidents’ Trophy and progressing through the first round with ease. On the other hand, Brind’Amour has led the Hurricanes to six consecutive playoff appearances since taking over as head coach in 2018. Both teams have shown success under the guidance of these former partners turned competitors, setting the stage for an exciting coaching battle. Regardless of the outcome, the mutual respect and bond between Laviolette and Brind’Amour remain strong, a testament to the impact they had on each other during their championship season in Carolina.
As Laviolette and Brind’Amour face off in the upcoming series, their shared history and experiences as coach and captain will undoubtedly add depth to the competition. The lasting influence they have had on each other as players and coaches is evident in their coaching styles and team philosophies. Despite the competitive nature of the playoffs, the respect and admiration between the two coaches continue to shine through, highlighting the enduring bond that was forged during their Stanley Cup-winning season. Whether the Rangers or the Hurricanes come out on top in this series, the legacy of Laviolette and Brind’Amour’s partnership will continue to be celebrated in NHL history.
