Team USA's Completes Big Decision to Scratch Rangers Veteran From The Lineup
Photo credit: Sportsnet
Team USA has found its first victim, as Head Coach Mike Sullivan has scratched Rangers veteran Chris Kreider today.
The Four Nations Face-Off is a best-on-best matchup between NHL players Sullivan had to make a tough decision to optimize the lineup.
Mike Sullivan and Team USA will meet Finland on Thursday at the Bell Centre, in Montreal.
Kreider's Struggles Continue
In a scenario that has surprised no one who has watched Rangers' hockey this season, Chris Kreider was scratched by Team USA.
In his first game of the tournament, he'll have to ride pine against Finland.
It's an unfortunate circumstance for Kreider, who hasn't played his best hockey this season. While he's put up 20 points( 16 G, 4 A) he's had trouble being a playmaker. His production has declined significantly in 2024.
It looks like #NYR Chris Kreider is the odd forward out of Team USA lines.- Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) February 12, 2025
The move has us scratching our heads considering Mike Sullivan gave Chris Kreider a glowing review.
"He's a high-character person, first and foremost. I think Kreidz is a guy we could plug into any line, and he's going to bring key attributes-his size, his skating ability, and his north-south game. He has the ability to score goals and can play net front on the power play.
He can also contribute to the penalty kill. We've played against him a lot, especially being in the same division, so I'm very familiar with his game. But above all, he's just a great person. He's a really good teammate, and his versatility is one of the reasons he's on this roster.
When you look at the types of players we have in supporting roles, versatility is a crucial element-the ability to play multiple positions or take on different responsibilities. And I think he checks a lot of boxes in that regard."
He can also contribute to the penalty kill. We've played against him a lot, especially being in the same division, so I'm very familiar with his game. But above all, he's just a great person. He's a really good teammate, and his versatility is one of the reasons he's on this roster.
When you look at the types of players we have in supporting roles, versatility is a crucial element-the ability to play multiple positions or take on different responsibilities. And I think he checks a lot of boxes in that regard."
Kreider's had a tough year, and unfortunately, his struggles have trickled into international play with Team USA.
He's had to come back from a nagging back injury, all the while being demoted by Head Coach Peter Laviolette. Kreider is now a fixture on the team's third line, with Mika Zibanejad, and Arthur Kaliyev.
It is almost fitting he was scratched for Team USA if you think about it.
Or is it just a matter of the Penguins-Rangers rivalry finding itself replicating itself on a bigger scale?
It's a juicy notion to think about, considering how bad both teams are this year.
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