Blake Wheeler Benched: Time to Grease Those Wheels

Read about Blake Wheeler’s unexpected benching in the Rangers’ loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets game. It’s a wake-up call for the seasoned veteran in the season’s early stages. 

Blake Wheeler’s night in the Rangers’ clash with the Columbus Blue Jackets was one to forget.

He started the game on the third line alongside Vincent Trocheck and Will Cuylle during Saturday’s 5-3 loss.

Yet, towards the end of the third period, Coach Peter Laviolette decided to bench him. Now, why exactly that happened, we’re not entirely sure. However, one thing’s for certain: it’s not a great look for the 37-year-old veteran who joined the Rangers this offseason.

Wheeler’s Benching: Early Season Wake-Up Call for Rangers Veteran:

During his time on the ice, Wheeler logged 12 minutes and 11 seconds of action. And to be honest, he didn’t make a significant impact. Some might say his wheels looked flat. His slow skating I]could be the reason behind the benching. Perhaps Laviolette wasn’t pleased with his effort. We hope to get some clarity on this in the coming days.

“Blake Wheeler has had a nice career, but I have seen very little value to him thus far,” Rangers legend  Ron Dugay tweeted.

The Rangers brought Wheeler in for his experience and skills, and there’s no doubt he can be a valuable asset to the team. It’s just a matter of finding his groove in the new environment.

It’s early in the season.

The Rangers have only played two out of the 82 regular-season games. With 80 more games left in the regular season, there’s ample opportunity for Wheeler to make his mark and show why New York wanted him. As fans, we hope this early-season hiccup will be a blip on the radar and Wheeler will bounce back stronger in the games to come. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.