The AV Rules: Rangers coach Alain Vigneault should consider making some lineup changes when their second round series resumes at MSG for Game 3 tonight versus the Penguins.
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For most of the season, it’s been status quo for Alain Vigneault. In his first year behind the Rangers bench, his patience has worked. To his credit, he’s stuck with the same lines and kept the D pairs intact. It’s resulted in a more balanced team with solid chemistry.

Still, for an NHL record thirteenth consecutive time, they weren’t good enough to win two straight when leading a series. A lethargic effort resulted in an all too predictable 3-0 shutout against the Penguins, who took Game 2 to even the second round series. If not for the brilliant play of Henrik Lundqvist, it would’ve been much worse. Tonight’s not about the goalie, who gave his team every chance to steal it. Instead, they were powerless. I’m not just referring to the power play but overall.

Unmistakably, there wasn’t enough purpose to the Rangers game. They played with no edge or sense of urgency. Given that the Penguins needed the game, of course they were more desperate. However, the lack of physicality raised eyebrows. The final statistics say the Rangers had three less hits (32) than the Penguins (35). Sometimes, stats don’t tell the whole story. Anyone who roots for this team knows they were overpowered by a hungrier opponent intent on killing them. They finished every check and forced turnovers while also making Lundqvist’s life a living hell. Not one Blueshirt did the same against Marc-Andre Fleury.

If you gain a split in a seven-game series, there’s no shame. The Rangers still got what they wanted. A chance to establish home ice. However, they’ll be playing for the seventh time over 10 days Monday night at MSG. The hope is that a home crowd will energize them. They’ll have to play with a lot more urgency than the vanilla effort we got Sunday.

That could mean lineup changes. Something Vigneault should consider. In the first round seven-game win over the Flyers, he pushed the right buttons. AV wasn’t afraid to substitute Daniel Carcillo for Jesper Fast which resulted in a Game 3 win highlighted by a goal from the ex-Flyer. After a Game 4 defeat, Vigneault successfully inserted J.T. Miller. It worked again with Miller contributing an assist in a 4-3 Game 5 win. After sticking with Miller for Game 6, he went back to Carcillo, who paid back his coach by scoring a goal in a 2-1 Game 7 series clincher.

That kind of progressive coaching is what’s needed. There’s something lacking from the Rangers’ game. They were too easily pushed around. Perhaps Vigneault goes back to Miller, who’s a bigger body. He makes things happen on the forecheck. Something that was nonexistent in Game 2. Only we’re not suggesting inserting him for Carcillo, who was easily one of the Rangers’ best players. Instead, it should be Derek Dorsett who sits. Undeniably, Dorsett has brought good energy. However, the penalty he took late in the third with his team down a goal proved costly. Able to capitalize, the Pens scored a key insurance goal thanks to Jussi Jokinen which ended any comeback hopes.

Dorsett is a solid citizen. But in a series against another lethal opponent with a dangerous power play, you can’t afford those mistakes. This doesn’t take away from the relentless work he brings. However, they can easily slide Miller in and give that line a jolt. He’s a faster skater who can either play with Brad Richards and Carl Hagelin or play fourth line. Yes, Miller is still a work defensively. The Rangers need more attack time. They didn’t apply enough pressure on the Pens defense. Miller can use his size and strength. Assets the Rangers need minus Chris Kreider. The still recovering power forward is sorely missed. His net presence especially has been absent on a power play that’s failed in 29 straight.

Another area Vigneault has to look at is his third defensive pair. John Moore has struggled so far. A liability defensively, he hasn’t done enough to justify keeping him in. Yes, he works well with quiet stay at home type Kevin Klein. Considering the Rangers power play struggles, he might want to take a look at Raphael Diaz. Diaz is another righty option who can play on the point. A solid puck moving type who can get his shot through, that’s probably a better option than Anton Stralman. While he’s a steady defender, Stralman shouldn’t be asked to play a bigger role. He and Marc Staal have been the Rangers’ best defensive tandem this postseason.

Regarding Moore, he saw 22 shifts receiving 14:15 of ice-time. Every single one was at even strength. If Vigneault is hesitant to use the rover on the man-advantage, what’s the point? One problem is that Moore is too indecisive with the puck. He didn’t look for his shot. A strength. This is a player capable of providing offense. He’s still a work in progress. Could a more experienced Diaz provide a lift? He’s about the same defensively which means start him in the offensive zone as much as possible. It’s only a suggestion.

Given how he’s handled this team, I wouldn’t expect Vigneault to make more than one change. If anything, he’ll keep the blueline intact and consider inserting Miller. Whether it’s for Carcillo or Dorsett remains to be seen. At this point, I’d do it for Dorsett only because Carcillo has given the Rangers more. Who didn’t love seeing him bark at Neal following a post scrum around Lundqvist? For some reason, he works. It’s almost like a Sean Avery Affect. Unless he takes a silly penalty, play him.

When the series resumes later tonight, it’s really a must win scenario for the Rangers. Lose and it could slip away quickly. That requires tough decisions for the coach. Whatever he decides, it’s hopefully for the best.