New York Rangers: 5 Lineup decisions that could dictate the season

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GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 29: Head coach Alain Vigneault of the New York Rangers watches from the bench during the third period of the NHL game against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena on December 29, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Rangers defeated the Coyotes 6-3. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

There are 18 players who dress for a game on any given night, there are decisions to be made about who starts, who gets special teams time, and who sits in the press box.

The New York Rangers changed the core of their team this past offseason. Every offseason has roster changes, it’s just part of hockey. However, this year the Rangers have decisions to make in terms of what type of team they want to be on a nightly basis.

The Rangers have undergone a youth movement, they will depend on young players to show growth and be dependable on a nightly basis. Head Coach Alain Vigneault is reluctant to give young unproven players game time.

Vigneault rolls with his guys and doesn’t adapt. The Atlantic Divison final last year against Ottawa is an example of the Vigneault doctrine. You roll with your veterans when the game is on the line. Even when the younger players are playing better than the veterans.

That is the basis for most of the lineup decisions that will chart the Rangers course this season. It’s youth vs experience.

Let’s say the following players are all locks to start when healthy. Forwards: Rick Nash, Mats Zuccarello, Chris Kreider, J.T Miller, Pavel Buchnevich, Jesper Fast, Kevin Hayes, Mika Zibanejad, David Desharnais.

Defenseman: Ryan McDonagh, Kevin Shattenkirk, Brady Skjei, Brendan Smith.

The players not mentioned are fighting to crack the starting lineup. Some of the players above will be fighting for specific roles within the starting lineup.

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