Depth is a good thing for a professional sports team to have, of course. Injuries are inevitable over a long season, and having quality players who can step in and play well is a must for any team.
But if everyone is healthy, having extra players who can’t get into the lineup can be uncomfortable, as the Rangers found out this week when coach David Quinn pulled defenseman Brendan Smith from the lineup for a few games despite the fact that Smith had played well enough to deserve to continue to play.
Quinn scratched Smith because he wanted to get Brady Skjei back in the lineup after a two-game absence.