Don’t worry about the defensive breakdowns–yet
The New York Rangers, once known for a strict defensive system under coach John Tortorella, faces questions under Alain Vigneault.
The New York Rangers have started off this season in an fashion that brings back war flashbacks to last season. The Rangers, plagued by defensive lapses and questionable personnel choices lost to the Ottawa Senators in six games. Alain Vigneault faced harsh criticisms from both fans and analysts.
With a current defensive lineup including the likes of Nick Holden, Marc Staal, and occasionally Steven Kampfer, a strong defense is not the first thought that comes to mind. Despite boasting players such as Ryan McDonagh and Kevin Shattenkirk, the Rangers lack defensive competency.
In a sport as spontaneous as hockey, it is important to have strong leads constantly. The threat of an unlucky bounce is too high to have defensive lapses. Teams seasons can be tossed away, even with just one small misplay can jeopardize a teams postseason.
In the 2016-2017 season, the Tampa Bay Lightning missed the playoffs by only one point, behind the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Lightning and the Leafs played a game in late December of 2016 where the Leafs went on to win in Overtime. If the Lightning had won in overtime or not allowed the extra frame to even happen, we may have seen Tampa in the playoffs.
It is a very broad example, but it can certainly make or break a season. The Rangers spend many games where the lower pair defenders come out at the end of the game.
This was a chronic issue during the Ottawa Senator series last season.
Marc Staal averaged over 19 minutes per game and had 7 giveaways and no takeaways in the playoff last season. Not to mention, Staal contributed no points in 12 games. Nick Holden posted similar time on ice stats and similar giveaway stats, but produced 4 points in 11 games.
So when does it begin to matter?
Right now, you can say it will have minimal effect. But as time goes on, the damage will worsen, as Niccolo Machiavelli once said in The Prince —
"…who have to regard not only present troubles, but also future ones, for which they must prepare with every energy, because when foreseen, it is easy to remedy them; but if you wait until they approach, the medicine is no longer in time because the malady has become incurable."
The major issue at hand is the constant use of Marc Staal and Nick Holden at situationally unacceptable times. For the Rangers to keep up with a strong division, Alain Vigneault must make responsible personal choices. The longer the Rangers go with having these defensively questionable players in the prime moments of the game, the less likely it is for the Rangers to play in the playoffs. With players like Brady Skjei, Tony Deangelo, and Brendan Smith waiting patiently for an opportunity, there is no time to lose.
Next: How long a leash does Alain Vigneault deserve?
Without a remedy, the New York Rangers really have until mid-December to make a positive step. That is with the possibility of winning games while these lapses occur. If wins do not come, you might be able to call the season earlier than that.