New York Rangers: A list of Alain Vigneault’s lineup debacles

DeAngelOhNo

This one ropes together Anthony DeAngelo and Brendan Smith, both of whom have sat in the last two games. While I am not concerned about Brendan Smith sitting for the long-haul, I absolutely am worried about Anthony DeAngelo not receiving enough ice time.

It’s bad enough that Smith is being benched for career journeyman Steven Kampfer, but as I said, Smith will find his way back into the lineup. Smith is too talented of a player for this to be a concern long term, and Vigneault’s history does not show reason to believe he will bench a veteran for much action.

Similar to Chytil’s concern, however, Vigneault certainly has shown reason to worry about lack of ice time for Anthony DeAngelo. While DeAngelo has not looked fantastic thus far, he’s played in three games for the New York Rangers. He was acquired to be a powerplay quarterback and sixth defenseman, not to sit in the press box. Considering the Rangers gave up Derek Stepan to get him, he needs to play.

Yet Alain Vigneault believes Steven Kampfer and Nick Holden are more important. Yikes.