On Tuesday, Dec. 17 ahead of the new York's Ranger's matchup against the Predators in Music City, right winger Kaapo Kakko expressed his frustrations to the media about recent developments.
On Sunday, Dec. 15, New York's head coach Peter Laviolette made the decision to make Kakko a healthy scratch against the St. Louis Blues. Laviolette, when asked about scratching Kakko at the time, said he wanted to get "fresh legs'' into the lineup after the back-to-back. This marked the first time the 23-year-old was a healthy scratch in the regular season, but the third in his entire Rangers' tenure.
Against the Blues, the Rangers went on to lose 3-2 — at the time this made their record 3-10-0 in their last 13 games.
Following morning skate ahead of Tuesday's matchup against Nashville, Kakko reflected on his reaction to Laviolette's decision.
"“I was surprised. Yeah. I know you got to do something as a coach when you're losing games, but I think it’s just easy to take the young guy and put him out. That’s how I feel.”"Kaapo Kakko, Dec. 17
“I have not been the worst guy. But that was me out of the lineup," Kakko also said.
In response, Laviolette said he’d keep his message to Kakko between the two of them, but added it was expected for No. 24 to feel the way he’s feeling.
"I’ll keep those messages between him and I. But I think it’s okay to be frustrated. It’s okay to be upset." Laviolette said. “There's been older players that have sat out, as well. The decisions that I make, they're tough decisions. Our team, Kaapo – we need to play better. We're 3-10 in our last 13 games, and that's not good enough."
In regards to it being easier to scratch younger players than established vets, Laviolette pointed to the sitting of players like Jimmy Vesey, Reilly Smith and Jonny Brodzinski.
“There’s been older players who have sat out, as well,” Laviolette said. “The decisions that I make, they’re tough decisions. Our team, Kaapo, our team — we need to play better. We’re 3-10 in our 13 games and that’s not good enough. We need to play a better brand of hockey, all of us.”
It is also worth mentioning that Mika Zibanejad's TOI was also diminished against St. Louis. However, he wasn't nearly as forthcoming as Kakko about his diminished TOI last game.
"Honestly, I’m just focusing on today. That happened, and we have a new game today," Zibanejad said. "So, that’s where I’m putting my energy and focus."
But what do you think? How do you feel about Kakko's reaction and what changes are really necessary to get the Rangers back in the win column?