The Rangers have lost six of their last seven games, and, coincidentally or not, Kevin Hayes has missed the last six of those.
But if the absence of Hayes, the team’s No. 2 center, is catching up to David Quinn’s crew – and if missing defensemen Freddie Claesson and Adam McQuaid contributed to the Rangers’ allowing seven goals in Sunday’s loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets – that is not something Chris Kreider wants to consider.
“Everyone has injuries,’’ Kreider said when asked if Hayes’ absence has had anything to do with the Rangers’ recent results. “There needs to be a next-man-up mentality.