After Jimmy Vesey advised The Put up’s Larry Brooks on Thursday that he “looks like I’ve no position or function” on the Rangers, head coach Peter Laviolette stated Friday he speaks with particular person gamers constantly — together with Vesey — and hasn’t dominated out taking part in him or anybody else.
“I speak to gamers on a regular basis,” Laviolette stated when requested about Vesey’s feedback. “I talked to Jimmy [on Thursday] earlier than he addressed you guys.”
Vesey hasn’t been used the previous 9 video games and has performed in simply 26 video games this season after taking part in 80 video games final yr, Laviolette’s first behind the bench with the Rangers.
“Jimmy is a crucial piece of this group,” Laviolette stated. “He’s confirmed that. Proper now, we’ve gone with this lineup, and like all of the gamers that aren’t in there, we simply ask them to maintain working arduous. We’re greater than assured in our group and their skills to come back in and make a distinction.”
Laviolette added he’s made these lineup choices with one factor in thoughts because the Rangers attempt to safe a playoff spot within the Jap Convention.
“Proper now, it’s about profitable hockey video games,” Laviolette stated. “It’s not about, ‘We’re going to make this transfer because of this.’ It’s on daily basis, placing the lineup we wish to put in, and it’s to not slight anyone. … It’s in regards to the lineup for that day to get two factors.”
Laviolette declined to say Friday who could be in Saturday’s lineup, and that was previous to Friday evening’s commerce of Filip Chytil to Vancouver.
Even earlier than the deal, it appeared newcomer Arthur Kaliyev could be scratched Saturday in Boston, as Jonny Brodzinski took reps with Chris Kreider and Chytil.
The road, which had included Kaliyev and Chtil, in addition to Kreider, hadn’t been particularly productive.
Brodzinski is among the many gamers, together with Vesey and Zac Jones, who hasn’t performed a lot of late, with Brodzinski’s final look coming Jan. 11.
Okay’Andre Miller and Will Borgen have been stable since being paired collectively.
“I believe they’re each huge and skate effectively and transfer the puck,” Laviolette stated. “They’re larger our bodies, use their measurement and have been a great pair.”
The duo have been used because the group’s second defensive pairing, getting tasked with shutting down prime opposing traces. Borgen was acquired within the deal that despatched Kaapo Kakko to Seattle in December.