Vitali Kravtsov complicates Rangers’ already tough balancing act

Rangers head coach David Quinn admitted he and his staff have engaged in constant conversation about how to manage the younger players on the team.

It’s a balancing act that factors in development, what gives the Rangers the best chance to win and how their decisions will impact the longevity of the team’s success. Though it’s important to prioritize staying competitive, the Rangers have the youngest team in the league, which means the youth is the future. Prior to Tuesday’s 5-2 win over the Capitals, Quinn said he was “pissed” at himself for not playing the kid line of Alexis Lafreniere, Filip Chytil and Julien Gauthier more in Sunday’s loss in Washington. He alluded to being at a crossroads with wanting to reward the players who are playing well, while also understanding that he has an entire locker room “to answer to.”