The New Jersey Devils took home a huge win against the New York Rangers on Friday night. A questionable decision by head coach John Hynes almost lost the game.
The New Jersey Devils brass had a major decision to make this week. With the return of Marcus Johansson, Taylor Hall and Kyle Palmieri, the Devils were forced to sit at least two players who’s been regulars in the lineup. One of the decisions was easy, as Jimmy Hayes knows his role comes with some games as a healthy scratch. The other decision wasn’t as easy.
Despite that, if you asked most fans who should be the other healthy scratch, the majority would say it was Drew Stafford. The veteran forward had a great start to the season, but has completely fallen off a cliff. After scoring eight points, including five goals, in the first 14 games. Since then, he has zero points in 16 games.
Stafford was still in the lineup on Thursday night against the New York Rangers thanks to an injury to Jesper Bratt. The injury doesn’t seem serious, so Stafford may only be safe for one game. Or is he?
Head coach John Hynes showed he still has a lot of confidence in Stafford when he made him the anchor to the shootout against the Rangers. The Devils went into the third shooter tied 1-1. The Devils desperately needed the next shooter to score. Did Hynes go with Nico Hischier or Marcus Johansson who were still on the bench? Nope, Hynes chose Stafford as that shooter.
Stafford threw the puck right into Henrik Lundqvist chest, giving the Rangers a chance to win it. Luckily, Cory Schneider was able to stop Jimmy Vesey. That gave Brian Boyle the chance to play hero.
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Stafford’s been given much less ice time as of late. His 11:41 of ice time was second worst on the team, only beaten by Stefan Noesen. It shows that Hynes understands that Stafford has struggled, but he still trusts him enough with the game on the line.
I understand Hynes may want to give Stafford the chance to break out of his slump, but that was too big a spot to do it. In a game against the hated Rangers, you must give your players the best chance to win. Stafford was not the Devils best chance. He proved it with his shot selection in the shootout.
When Bratt returns, Stafford may still be the player to scratch. Hynes doesn’t have much of a choice. Pavel Zacha has been playing very well since his return to the lineup. Noesen has been a game changer at times. The only choice to make is Stafford. However, that doesn’t mean Hynes will make that choice. He hasn’t always made the conventional decision.
Because of that, Stafford may be in the lineup when Bratt returns. Hynes clearly still trusts him.