1.
In the end, that might be disqualifying for the coach whose team went 0-7 in potential series clinchers over four years before finally taking out the Lightning on their second try in Round 1 for the franchise’s first series victory since 2004. Blais was not only the type of player the Rangers needed two summers ago, he is exactly the type of player the Rangers need now.There was a difference in opportunity when Blais was part of the Feb. 10 deal for Vlad Tarasenko and Niko Mikkola and a difference in circumstance. The Blues were purging and out of the playoffs, much like the Blueshirts of 2017-18 except without a Letter.AP, reported to St. Louis. His ice time increased from 9:38 per to 14:36.
The Rangers gave Blais a spot on the second power-play unit for a spell in November and December. It did not work. Nothing did. Blais tried, he was physical, but just could not create an impact. His ice time went down, his confidence wavered, he was scratched six times in a 21-game stretch and then he was traded.