Peter Laviolette Showing Nobody's Lineup Spot Is Safe With Rangers

Peter Laviolette seems to be sending a message.

First, he made Reilly Smith a healthy scratch on Saturday afternoon and now Jimmy Vesey is set to serve as a healthy scratch tonight when the New York Rangers take on the New Jersey Devils.

Both Smith and Vesey had never been benched this season before these past couple of days, so Laviolette’s decision was surprising, but at the same time it makes sense.

The Rangers have lost five out of the past six games and overall as a team and they have not been playing their best hockey.

Laviolette has to set a precedent that every player must fight and earn their spot in the lineup including the veterans.

With the Rangers basically fully healthy at the moment aside from Brett Berard, Laviolette will have to continue making some tough choices regarding who plays and he’s repeatedly said throughout the season that he has to make these difficult lineup decisions every game.

It’s unclear why Laviolette chose to bench Vesey. Maybe Jonny Brodzinki’s speed fairs better against a quick Devils team.

Nonetheless, Vesey’s benching is likely temporary just as Smith’s was on Saturday, so there’s no need to push the panic button.