"What a disgraceful and disrespectful answer": Blueshirts fans enraged over NY Rangers HC's reasoning for Kaapo Kakko healthy scratch

NY Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette received criticism for scratching Kaapo Kakko against the St. Louis Blues. The Rangers lost 3-2 and continued their struggles this season. After starting strong with a 12-4-1 record, their performance has declined. The team has dropped to 15-14-1, losing 10 of their last 13 games. They are also on a five-game losing streak.

When asked about the decision, Laviolette said:

“We were putting fresh legs in the lineup tonight. Just based on the decision that we made to go with this lineup.”

NY Rangers have also traded their captain, Jacob Trouba and fans are doubting the team's decision. Take a look at some reactions from fans on X.

“What a disgraceful and disrespectful answer.” One fan called Laviolette’s explanation.

"Someone ask why Cools and Berard, who got them back into the game, weren’t out for the 6 on 5 but zibenjad and Kreider were?" Another fan questioned,

"the next question the media should have asked was "why Kakko and not another one of the 13 other struggling players," most of which have been way more glaring than the third line winger...but that probably wasn't asked" a fan pointed.

Here are some more reactions from fans to Kaapo Kakko's healthy scratch:

"What he meant to say is "I don't care anymore because obviously the team doesn't. I have no interest in holding and veterans accountable. I'm really hoping I get fired so I can't get paid and stop working"" a fan wrote.

"23 years old 2nd overall picks legs aren’t fresh 30 games in. Yeah trade his a*s along with Lindgren, Smith, Chytil, and Key once he’s healed" another fan wrote.

"That's funny, I guess he's OK with the cement that Zibanejad and Krieder have in their legs" one fan mentioned.

Blues defeated NY Rangers 3-2 on Sunday amid Kaapo Kakko scratch

The St. Louis Blues defeated the NY Rangers 3-2 at Enterprise Center. Pavel Buchnevich scored first, firing a one-timer from Jake Neighbours' pass late in the first period. Jordan Kyrou made it 2-0 in the second, stealing the puck from Ryan Lindgren and scoring on a breakaway. Robert Thomas extended the lead to 3-0 after a 2-on-1 play with Philip Broberg.

The Rangers pushed back in the third period. Brett Berard’s shot deflected off Colton Parayko’s stick to make it 3-1. Will Cuylle scored soon after to bring the game within one. Despite their effort, the Rangers couldn’t tie the game.