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NHL Playoffs: 5 reasons why New York Rangers won’t win Stanley Cup

By Dave Stevenson

May 29, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) reacts on the bench with teammates Tanner Glass (15) , Kevin Klein (8) and Dan Girardi (5) as the Rangers play with an empty net against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period in game seven of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
May 29, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) reacts on the bench with teammates Tanner Glass (15) , Kevin Klein (8) and Dan Girardi (5) as the Rangers play with an empty net against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period in game seven of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Questionable Coaching Decisions

New York Rangers head coach Alain Vigneault has had a lot of success over the years. He has taken two teams (the Vancouver Canucks and New York) to the Stanley Cup Finals, though he has lost each time. This season, Vigneault has made questionable coaching decisions and lineup changes. If those flaws show up in the playoffs, it could cost the Rangers the Stanley Cup. Most notably, Vigneault has put enforcer Tanner Glass in the lineup over skilled players like Kevin Hayes lately.

Vigneault will most likely have to go up against two of the best head coaches in the NHL to start off the playoffs. Mike Sullivan of the Penguins has the Penguins playing the dangerous kind of hockey that they should have been playing under Johnston. Sullivan has proven that he’s wise enough to get his speedy forward lines on the ice against weaker competition. Vigneault will have to counter that and take advantage of the three home games (and last changes) that he will get.

After that, Vigneault will most likely have to face Barry Trotz and the Washington Capitals. The Capitals are a better team than the Rangers so it will be up to Vigneault to outcoach Trotz and put his guys in a position to succeed. That’s something that Vigneault might not be able to do.

Next: Pitiful Puck Possession

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