Rangers Roundup: Kris Knoblauch to coach next two games, Alexis Lafrenière plays season low seven minutes, and more

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alexis Lafreniere
Mar 7, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Rangers left wing Alexis Lafreniere (13) takes the ice against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period at PPG Paints Arena. Pittsburgh won 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Rangers are 2-1 with Kris Knoblauch filling in for David Quinn who is on the NHL’s COVID protocol list. Based on the rules, Knoblauch will be behind the bench for at least the next two games which includes Monday’s home game against the Sabres and Thursday road contest versus the Flyers.

Kris Knoblauch to coach two more games

Based off of Larry Brook’s recent article detailing Sections 4.1 and 4.2 of the NHL’s COVID rules, David Quinn who tested positive would need to quarantine for 10 days. That would take him to Friday, and if he’s asymptotic he can return for the Saturday matinee against Philadelphia.

If Quinn is asymptomatic, it is unclear whether he would be permitted to travel to Philadelphia on the Friday, where he would then check into a hotel before rejoining the team the next morning. If not, that game too would belong to Knoblauch.

NY Post

Losing Alexis Lafrenière

alexis lafreniere
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

It’s great that the Rangers have won two of their last three games with Knoblauch as the Rangers substitute teacher but we have a problem. The fill-in coach has not played Alexis Lafrenière much in his three games and completely lost him last night for a grand total of 7:53. This also coming off the heels of the last game with his third lowest total of the year at 11:50.

“It’s mismanagement of the bench and not realizing the situation,” Knoblauch admitted. “I did want to keep him away from their top line – but other than that I wish I would’ve played him more. There was a lot of D-zone face-offs for us and it was unfortunate that he missed out on some shifts.”

Alexis who played 21 shifts and picked up an assist in the 9-0 home game win against the Flyers, played a grand total of 29 shifts in the two road games against the Caps. He has zero points in those contests and desperately needs David Quinn back to make in-game adjustments so this doesn’t happen again.

NHL Rumors

The NYR did indeed make an offer for Jack Eichel last season. Read the latest and expect a full feature later today.

NHL Rumors: Trade Deadline outlook, P.K. Subban sleeper trade candidate, and Rangers had offer on table for Jack Eichel
By Anthony Scultore

Anthony Scultore is the founder of Forever Blueshirts and has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL... More about Anthony Scultore

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