New York Rangers: Five thoughts following a huge weekend

Alain Vigneault Can’t Mess This One Up

While Alain Vigneault managed to put Nick Holden and Marc Staal on the ice in absurd situations throughout the recent postseason, even he wouldn’t dare do the same in 2017-18. Between McDonagh, Shattenkirk, Skjei, and Smith, the Rangers boast far too many options for Vigneault to make his usual mistake.

At least one would think.

The way to ensure the usual mistake never happens again is to trade one of Holden or Staal. Considering the Rangers have Alexei Bereglazov, Anthony DeAngelo, Ryan Graves, and Neal Pionk either ready or close to ready to play in the NHL, moving one of the two is a no-brainer.

Once one of Holden or Staal is gone, Vigneault will be forced to play a pairing with at least one competent defenseman at all times. Thank you, Kevin Shattenkirk.