"What we're doing isn't enough": Rangers HC Peter Laviolette doesn't mince words after blowout loss to division rivals Devils

New York Rangers coach Peter Laviolette shared his thoughts following the team's blowout 5-1 loss to rivals New Jersey Devils on Monday night at Madison Square Garden.

After ending a five-game losing streak with a win against the Montreal Canadiens last week, the Blueshirts failed to find their footing against the high-flying Devils.

The Rangers started poorly, conceding inside 87 seconds and finding themselves 2-0 down under the first 10 minutes of the opening period. Laviollette's remarks reflect the urgency for the Blueshirts to improve their performance moving forward:

"I hate the first goal. We talk about not giving up odd-man rushes from the offensive zone and we did. ... You leave the first period, and you're down 2-0, that's not the way you want to start a division game against the #NJDevils. It's not good. It's not where we want to be."

Laviolette pointed out that his team's effort and execution were poor and lacked consistency. He made it clear that their current performance isn't meeting expectations.

“We need more. We need to be better. It’s got to be sharper in the first, when we first take the ice — regardless of the effort. Whether it’s effort or execution it’s got to be better right off the bat. It’s got to be more consistent through the game. What we’re doing isn’t good enough. So to sit here and accept it — that’s unacceptable itself.”

The New York Rangers have won only one game and lost six in their last seven. With 27 points, the Blueshirts are fourth in the Metro Division and 14th in the league after 24 games.

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How the New Jersey Devils downed the New York Rangers

Jesper Bratt and Dawson Mercer put the Devils ahead 2-0 with less than 10 minutes into the first period. The Devils then scored three powerplay goals, with Doug Hamilton's goal at 9:04 making it 3-0.

Jack Hughes added to the lead at 12:38. The Rangers scored on the powerplay at 13:29, cutting the deficit to 4-1, which was the only goal they would score in the game.

Hughes netted his second of the night, sealing a 5-1 win for the Devils. The third period ended without any goals scored.

The Blueshirts host the Pittsburgh Penguins (10-12-4) at MSG next on Friday. The puck drops at 8 p.m. ET.