Earlier, I forecast that John Moore would pair up with Dan Boyle for tonight’s game. Instead, Alain Vigneault has other ideas.

Matt Hunwick will stay in the lineup and work with Boyle on the third pair against the Islanders. Interesting considering that I felt he struggled mightily against the Coyotes. So, Moore is the odd man out. The 24-year old defenseman hasn’t established himself under Vigneault. After only moderate success last season posting four goals and 11 assists with a plus-seven rating in 74 games, Moore has only four helpers and is plus-four in 34 contests in Year 2.

Moore performed better under former coach John Tortorella. After coming over with Derick Brassard and Derek Dorsett for Marian Gaborik at the 2013 trade deadline, he tallied a goal and five assists with a plus-nine rating in 13 games.

For some reason, he fared better under Tortorella. Vigneault is a good coach who’s gotten the most out of other players. It’s surprising that Moore hasn’t developed under him and he still doesn’t trust him. Is this another Michael Del Zotto? Moore is restricted this summer. The Rangers can certainly use an upgrade on the blueline before the March 2 deadline.

Updating the D pairings for tonight:

McDonagh-Girardi

Staal-Klein

Hunwick-Boyle