New York Rangers: Five thoughts through 15 games

Playing the Blame Game

I’ve given up on trying to figure out how Alain Vigneault determines who gets punished for their miscues and who doesn’t. Brendan Smith has been in and out of the lineup all season despite being paid a hefty sum to play in the top four.

However, it would have taken Dan Girardi literally being tied up and thrown into a locked vault under Madison Square Garden for him to be scratched last season.

There is no longer any consistency in Alain Vigneault’s scratches now that he scratched Smith. He punishes Smith for his mistakes, but ignores the mistakes of Nick Holden and Steven Kampfer. Smith is a huge piece in the Rangers having a successful defense, and he must play.

There is no reason for Alain Vigneault to scratch him. Maybe he thinks “Brandon” is a better first name? That’s all I got. Regardless, Smith must play. It’s not a difficult decision.