David Quinn spoke on Wednesday about accountability and roster management, saying "you don't bench guys for every mistake but, to me, the piece that is non-negotiable is effort." (NYR)
Quinn noted that when a decision to bench a guy, or take someone out of the lineup, is made then multiple things are taken into consideration, including how much of a "bank account" they have built up but that "If mistakes are made because of lack of all out effort, then I don't care what your bank account is." (NYR)
He said that situations like that lead to conversations of "clarity and explanation" with the player and that "holding guys accountable is his number one responsibility as a coach." (NYR)
Quinn said that he doesn't sit people to be a "big tough coach" but that if the Rangers are going to be capable of having success, he needs players to play at a certain level, adding "we need everyone playing to the best of their ability." (NYR)
When discussing Kevin Shattenkirk, Quinn said "If he doesn't play tomorrow, I don't look at it as a healthy scratch, this is a guy coming off major knee surgery who is getting his game back. Physically getting there, mentally getting there and to expect him to get back and hit the ground running might have been a little premature. I thought he had two good days of practice and we will talk tomorrow and see where he feels and how we feel. I know it's a great story but it's not a story in my mind, this guy is coming off major knee surgery and finding his way back." (NYR)
Adam Rotter: With where the Rangers are going and the team and culture they want to build, I think it's great that Quinn is setting high expectations and isn't afraid to sit someone that projects to be a huge part of the team. This is all about development and getting better and there has to be a hope that if someone like Hayes is sitting for a time or Shattenkirk and Pionk are going to be out, then it sends a message to everyone about what is expected. When it comes to Shattenkirk, if he is out tomorrow, he will be out for a game, two max, but he will be back in the lineup for next week's back to back against Colorado and Washington. Quinn knows Shattenkirk as well as anyone and is doing what he thinks will ultimately bring the best out of him for the long-term. Hopefully the message comes across and that the Rangers are able to be the hard working, fast and fun to watch team that their roster indicates they could be.
