New York Rangers success dependent on Jimmy Vesey's ice time
November was a trying month for the New York Rangers. In order to regain the early season offensive efficiency head coach Alain Vigneault must commit to giving Jimmy Vesey more ice time.
The New York Rangers as a whole saw their goal scoring numbers take a hit in the month of November. Among those snake bitten was rookie winger Jimmy Vesey.
After bursting onto the scene in the NHL with 6 goals in his first 10 games, Vesey saw a dip in his goal scoring production. Over the course of the next 14 games he scored 2 goals. However the rookie is still tied for 3rd on the team in goals with 8, including a tie for the team lead with 3 power play tallies.
It would be unfair to have expected Vesey to keep up his torrid pace from the first month of the season. His hot start was mostly due in part to a shooting percentage hovering above 30%, a number unsustainable over the course of an 82 game season.
Although Vesey’s shooting percentage has began its anticipated drop back to earth, he is still converting at a 20.5% clip. Yet, he ranks 15th on the team with 39 shots through 24 games played. This number should continue to rise, given the proper opportunities.
The most important factor that is working against the ex-Hobey Baker winner is his recent drop in production. He began the season playing alongside Derek Stepan and Mats Zuccarrello on the Rangers 1B line. Injuries have played a part in the line juggling, but head-coach Alain Vigneault has shown early signs of continuing his mistrust in young players.
Vesey must continue to be put in a position to succeed by Vigneault. This season, the Rangers bench boss has made a point of spreading the minutes across four lines fairly, something made possible by New York’s incredible scoring depth. Where he continues to fail his young stars is in the important moments.
Vigneault has consistently shown he is willing to put his best players on the bench for long stretches of time in the third period. Casualties of this practice this season alone include JT Miller, Mika Zibanejad, and Vesey.
Since being moved off of the “first” line in early November Vesey has seen a drop in ice time from 15:18 per game to 13:54 per game.
In fact, following his 3 point effort against St. Louis on November 1st, Vesey saw his fewest number of shifts (14) and his second lowest ice time of the season (10:49).
Perhaps Vesey has gained his coach’s trust again after scoring on the power play in the Rangers game against the Carolina Hurricanes. He also saw his most ice time since November 18th (14:58) and a spot on the second line.
It is rare that the New York Rangers sport such a wealth of youth that is as rich in talent as this group. In order top to optimize the potential of this team, Alain Vigneault must continue to put a priority on increasing his young players opportunities. If the Rangers intend to be a real contender there must be more nights like those against Carolina for Jimmy Vesey and his head coach.
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