Peter Laviolette Under Fire for Scratching Recently Acquired Defenseman

Peter Laviolette has drawn immense criticism this season as Head Coach of the New York Rangers, with some even calling for his job after the teams embarrassing loss to the Calgary Flames on Tuesday.

Unfortunately, things haven't gotten any better for him, as the backlash now continues over the decision to play Carson Soucy and Urho Vaakaneinen over Calvin de Haan, who was acquired in the Ryan Lindgren deal at the trade deadline.

Sure, both of the other players were also acquired in some deals this season, but given how well de Haan has performed this season and in previous years, the choice to play the other two over him has drawn harsh reactions from the fans.

On top of this, the struggles of the bottom four have impacted the Rangers stars on the blue line, and after giving up 35 shots to the 32nd ranked offense in the NHL in that loss to the Flames, it's clear something has to change.

Not only however has de Haan been better this season than the other two, but that success dates back several years, with the 33-year old clearly the better option for New York.

In three games as a Ranger, de Haan may have just 1 point, but he carries an impressive +4 differential, and with neither Soucy nor Vaakaneinen thriving in their role, this may ultimately cost the Rangers a Stanley Cup Playoffs berth, and it could also lead to Laviolette's departure.