BREAKING: Rangers coach resting stars and testing depth before playoffs

Rangers coach resting stars and testing depth before playoffs

Some people might say that the last three games of the Rangers’ season are meaningless. They’ve clinched a playoff spot, they’re practically guaranteed to play Montreal in the first round.

Still, the last three games of the Rangers’ regular season will essentially serve two purposes: giving some depth players a shot at more ice time, and resting their star players for the grueling marathon that is the NHL Playoffs.

Head coach Alan Vigneault has confirmed that McDonagh, Nash, Zuccarello and Fast will be taking the night off on Wednesday April 5^th as the Rangers play the league-leading Washington Capitals.  

Vigneault was quick to reassure that they are all just dealing with "bumps and bruises”, and his lineup will be ready for the post-season.

“A couple guys who haven’t played a lot I can give an opportunity to give a little bit of icetime. We all know that in playoff hockey a lot of things can happen, so this may help us out down the road” Vigneault added.

McDonagh has been out of the lineup with an undisclosed injury since March 30^th. The long-time Rangers defenceman has 5 goals and 40 points in 76 games this season, with a +/- rating of plus-19.

The other three players getting some recuperation time are all forwards. Nash has had a good rebound season with 23 goals and 15 assists for 38 points in 66 games. Zuccarello has notched 15 goals and 59 points in 79 games this season. Jasper Fast has 6 goals and 21 points in 68 games.

The games might be meaningless for scoreboard watchers, but this chance to rest could prove vital for a successful playoff run, and the chance to shine for some Rangers’ prospects could be the opportunity of a lifetime.