It hasn’t taken long for us to put the play of Kevin Shattenkirk under a microscope this year, has it?
Before the New York Rangers’ most expensive defenseman broke through with a two-assist night on October 17 against the Colorado Avalanche that was capped off by a shootout-winning goal, he was held pointless in four games. Even more noteworthy was the decision by new head coach David Quinn to bench Shattenkirk against the Carolina Hurricanes and make him a healthy scratch against the San Jose Sharks.
Many of the most alarmed voices have gone quiet after Shattenkirk’s breakthrough game against his former team, but there are still many who are concerned about his overall play this year.