Vigneault calls out Lundqvist’s play for team’s collapse

Anthony Scultore Feb 10, 2018

Is there a more delusional coach in the NHL right now than Alain Vigneault? In a pre-game presser yesterday, the coach pointed a finger at everyone else but himself for the Rangers most recent collapse.

What Happened

In his first meeting with the media since the announcement from management that they were going to rebuild, he laid blame for the team’s issues on the following:

The NY Post

“There is no doubt that when this story broke a couple of weeks ago that the mindset in the dressing room has been a little challenging…”

So according to the coach, an article by Larry Brooks titled “Rangers Going to Blow it All Up” sent the team into a chaotic downward spiral in their own zone.

Here’s the opening paragraph:

There is no ambivalence within management. The Blueshirts, we’re told on good authority, view the Feb. 26 trade deadline as a unique opportunity to refresh the roster and replenish the organization, regardless of where the club stands in relation to a playoff spot.

That’s all it takes to take your team of veterans off their game? “Good Authority”? Look deeper Mr. Vigneault.

Henrik Lundqvist

Yes. He blamed the Rangers only saving grace this season. And he did it multiple times in his presser. Here are the quotes:

“We started our season 4-7-2 and were a little inconsistent in the goaltending department…”
“We came back from the bye week and since that time we have been on a 3-9 run, a little inconsistent in the goaltedning department…”
“Hank has been working with Ben, I’m sure that their hard work together will pay off.”

That’s 3 times where he indirectly or directly laid it at Lundqvist’s skates? Just how disconnected from reality does a head coach have to be? Apparently very.

The Rangers are 2nd in the NHL for High Danger Scoring Chances Against with 554, only the Islanders give up more. That is 10 a game! By the way, his goaltenders combined rank 4th in High Danger Save % at 89.71. That means he should be kissing their feet and not telling them to be better.

When your system gives up that many dangerous chances, you should look in the mirror before laying blame on anyone but yourself Mr. Vigneault.

Twitter Reactions

Reactions on social media to his comments came fast and furious. Most of them are not fit for print. However, here are some we can show:

AV asking to be fired with this statement. Lundqvist has hidden flaws in this team year after year with his spectacular play. https://t.co/3H39lo4oxS

— Linda Cohn (@lindacohn) February 10, 2018

AV is the real problem here. He called out Henrik Lundqvist on his play this season. A professional coach threw his own player, the backbone of the New York Rangers since 2005, right under the bus just to save his own job. I got a rebuild for you… FIRE AV. #NYR

— AJ Castiglia (@ajcastigliaa) February 10, 2018

First off: he’s blaming goaltending? That’s insane! Also shows he just doesn’t get that his system IS THE PROBLEM. However, he may have just revealed that the team was told of the impending rebuild weeks before yesterday’s presser. Because that story didn’t really break then. pic.twitter.com/zYYat8Gqrl

— Forever Blueshirts (@4EverBlueshirts) February 9, 2018

Tell us what you think in the comments section below.

Note: AV quotes pulled from SNY
Note2: Stats from Natural Stat Trick