Frustrated Vigneault Will Add “PUNCH” To Lineup
AV post-practice presser (Lohud)
Alain Vigneault was frustrated yesterday during the game and hinted to it after practice today. At times during the second period you could visibly see the head coach getting upset. Head shaking, deep exhales and eye rolls were all there. Today at practice he was asked about the lineup for game 3 and replied “I’m still going through the process of deciding that.” Adding that it will be what’s best for the team.
“We played an OK game (yesterday)..this time of the year that’s not good enough”-Alain Vigneault #NYRPlayoffs
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) April 21, 2014
For those of you looking for Dan Carcillo to get in this series, here he comes. Jesper Fast who was used sparingly yesterday will be the likely scratch.
Dan Carcillo wasn’t in the mood to talk about Flyers when approached after morning skate today: “Tomorrow is another day.”
— Mike Morreale (@mikemorrealeNHL) April 21, 2014
Although many would like to see JT Miller take his spot on the 3rd line, it won’t happen. As reported by Larry Brooks of the NY Post on April 3rd:
“He just hasn’t earned the right to be at this level on a regular basis,” Vigneault said before the Rangers’ 3-2 shootout defeat to the Avalanche on Thursday night. “He needs to show more commitment on the ice and off. Until he does that, he hasn’t earned the right.”
The fact that JT Miller is here, is only because he has NHL experience, versus a player like Danny Kristo in Hartford. Another reason is because AV is hoping he sees the veterans going through the process and learns from it. Miller could mature just from sitting on the sidelines.
So expect, “The Car Bomb” to explode into tomorrow night’s game 3 in Philadelphia. His presence alone may just be enough to send an already undisciplined Flyers team spinning. The move should allow Derek Dorsett who has played extremely well to get on the 3rd line with Richards and Hagelin. Thus allowing for the very effective fourth line combination of Boyle, Moore and Carcillo to reunite.
On the Rangers injury front, Chris Kreider remains out but according to AV, is improving.
As for Chris Kreider (left hand/out indefinitely) Vigneault will only say he’s improving.
— Andrew Gross (@AGrossRecord) April 21, 2014
FLYERS NOTES: Steve Mason has already been ruled out for game 3. Ray Emery will look to build off his game 2 performance. The Rangers hope all those juicy rebounds will be there as well.
#NYR #PHI According to reports out of Philly, Steve Mason out for Game 3. Ray Emery remains in goal Tuesday — Katie Strang (@KatieStrangESPN) April 21, 2014
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