San Jose Sharks coach, Ryan Warsofsky, defended New York Rangers coach, Peter Laviolette’s decision not to go into the locker room after a loss.
After winning the President’s Trophy as the NHL’s best team last season, the Rangers have failed to make the playoffs. On April 7th, New York lost a must-win game 5-1 against the Tampa Bay Lightning, and Laviolette’s postgame press conference made headlines.
What's the message like in the locker room?
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) April 8, 2025
"I don't have a message right now. I don't go into the locker room after the game." -Peter Laviolette pic.twitter.com/ayaxrqnwVb
Following his quote about not going into the locker room, hockey media opened up a major discussion on his decision. While most Rangers fans were angry and confused, what Laviolette did isn’t uncommon.
Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky has told reporters that he doesn’t go into the locker room following a loss.
“I can’t speak for every coach in the league. From my experiences, there’s not many coaches that go into a room after a loss. I think for Laviolette to get attacked by this is absolutely ridiculous, in my opinion,” Warsofsky said.
The Sharks’ bench boss then explained why he doesn’t speak to his team following a loss.
“This is an emotional sport. This is one of the most competitive games in the world. [These are the] most competitive people there is as far as hockey players, so there’s a lot of emotion that goes into that. For us as coaches, to go in there after a tough loss. It makes zero sense,” Warsofsky said. “If you were to take a poll around the league, there’d be a lot of coaches that don’t go in. And maybe there are some games that you do. It’s unfortunate Laviolette is getting kind of attacked over that comment.”
#NYR fans have every right to be angry and upset with Peter Laviolette right now, but not going into the locker room after a loss seems pretty standard in the NHL. @ColbyCohen36 and I discussed it this morning.
— Jonny Lazarus (@JLazzy23) April 8, 2025
Presented by @ProrasoUSA #ShaveLikeAPro pic.twitter.com/4tCEhlKeha
While the San Jose Sharks and New York Rangers are in very different situations for team success, there is a consensus around the league: Coaches don’t speak to the players after a loss.
The New York Rangers haven’t been able to avoid bad turbulence this season, and more seems to be coming via defenseman Calvin De Haan.
#NYR Calvin de Haan walked past us as he was about to get on the ice and commented on how it’s all finally over.
— Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) April 13, 2025
He said something to the effect of, ‘How about the way I’ve been treated here? It’s fucked.’
We asked if he wanted to talk, he said yes and that he would be “very…
Sharks lineup has adjustments against the Calgary Flames
Thomas Bordeleau will make his season debut for the San Jose Sharks against the Calgary Flames on Sunday. He will replace rookie Cam Lund, who is dealing with an illness.
“Play with pace. Play towards his strengths. Know what you’re doing with and without the puck. We’ll coach through the mistakes, structure-wise,” Warsofsky said about his message to Bordeleau. “The ‘Cuda and us play very similar, [and] he’s played here before. He understands how to play in this league [and] what he needs to do to impact the game in certain areas.”
Klim Kostin will remain out of the Sharks lineup but won’t be considered a healthy scratch. Warsofsky revealed that the winger is dealing with a lower-body injury. He also said that Kostin hasn’t skated in recent days.
Bordeleau will play with Ostapchuk and Grundstrom. #SJSharks
— Max Miller (@Real_Max_Miller) April 13, 2025
Kostin is dealing with a lower-body injury
Georgi Romanov will make his second straight start for the Sharks. He stopped 30 of 33 shots against the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday.
The remainder of the lineup will stay the same for the Sharks as they play their 80th game of the season.
Sharks Line Combinations
