The New York Rangers made a surprising decision by scratching veteran Chris Kreider for their game against the New Jersey Devils, following a stretch of poor offensive performance. Coach Peter Laviolette indicated the need for more from the team, but the absence of Kreider did not yield positive results, as the Rangers lost 5-0.
Despite Kreider's struggles, with only 11 goals in 30 games, the team's overall offensive woes cannot be attributed solely to him. The Rangers have scored one goal or fewer in four of their last five games, raising questions about the effectiveness of the scratch.
There are speculations about Kreider's future with the team, especially considering his contract situation and the Rangers' salary cap flexibility. However, it seems counterproductive to showcase a player for trade while he sits out games. The Rangers' management must reassess their strategy, as Kreider's loyalty and past contributions should not be overlooked amid the team's struggles.
