Following last night’s 4-3 shootout defeat to the Pens, Rangers coach Alain Vigneault left himself open to criticism. Though we’re sure the NBCSN Pens crack committee uttered nothing, you have to wonder why Vigneault didn’t try the second power play unit following his timeout in overtime. It featured two of the three goal scorers Mats Zuccarello and Derick Brassard, who connected for the clutch power play goal that earned a point. You can vote on our poll above. It’s rather simple. Yes or No.

Sometimes, you have to go with the hot hand. It was clear to anyone watching that the top unit was stale. Having Derek Stepan, Brad Richards, Rick Nash and Ryan McDonagh pass the puck around on the perimeter looking for the perfect play made no sense. A four on three should be aggressive with each player ready to shoot. Instead, they were too passive allowing Marc-Andre Fleury to get set for each shot. It also allowed the Pens’ PK diamond to keep the first unit to the outside. Not only were they too predictable but no one got in front.

Good power plays are instinctive. At times, the Rangers have had their moments. Look no further than Brassard’s PPG. It came off the rush with Zuccarello feeding Benoit Pouliot, who came in with speed and fired a wide shot that caromed to Brassard for the equalizer. They were more aggressive. In fact, if you look at all three Ranger goals, it was due to a combination of speed and determination. Carl Hagelin beat Fleury on a breakaway set up from John Moore and Richards. Zuccarello scored thanks to a Moore rush and shot that went thru the wickets allowing the gritty winger to deposit the loose change. He went to the dirty area. So did Brassard. A sharp contrast from the vanilla top unit.

Aside from sticking with that first unit too long, Vigneault opted not to give Chris Kreider one shift in OT. How is that possible? Even if he didn’t have a good game, he’s easily the team’s fastest skater who can be an asset during four on four. The idea that he wasn’t out there is ludicrous. Unlike Nash, Kreider uses his size finishing checks and is willing to take punishment in front. You really have to wonder what AV was thinking.