NYR TODAY 12/29 PRACTICE NOTES

Kevin Hayes skating as an extra at practice

1:04PM

Nov 19, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Rangers right wing Kevin Hayes (13) skates with the puck during the third period at Amalie Arena. Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the New York Rangers 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports (Kim Klement)

Kevin Hayes is skating at practice today with Dylan McIlrath on an extra defense pair. (NYR)
The Rangers lines at their practice today are:

• JT Miller, Derick Brassard, Mats Zuccarello
• Rick Nash, Derek Stepan, Jesper Fast
• Chris Kreider, Oscar Lindberg, Emerson Etem
• Tanner Glass, Dominic Moore, Viktor Stalberg

The defense remains the same as last night.
Hayes turned the puck over inside the Rangers blue line last night which led to Nashville's second goal.
If Hayes is scratched tomorrow night it would be the first time this season and third time in his career, 10/11/14 and 10/27/14 being the other two.

Kevin Hayes likely to be scratched tomorrow against Tampa Bay

2:25PM

New York Rangers Kevin Hayes (13) Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports (Kim Klement)

Alain Vigneault said that the Rangers have reached a "tipping point" with Kevin Hayes and that he hasn't worked hard enough. (Cyrgalis)
Hayes will be scratched tomorrow against Tampa Bay.(Gross)
He has six goals and 11 assists this season, a minus one rating, and has not scored a goal since November 23rd.
By month this season, Hayes has:

• October: 2 goal, 4 assists in 11 games
• November: 4 goals, 5 assists in 14 games
• December: 0 goals, 2 assists in 12 games

Hayes is only winning 34.1% of faceoffs.
It was suggested earlier this month that Hayes could be scratched.
For a lot more on Hayes, click HERE and HERE.
Adam Rotter: It's probably past due for Hayes to sit since he has struggled this season and hasn't produced all month. Alain Vigneault has given Hayes a very long leash this season and Hayes hasn't been close to good enough. At times he looks more like a rookie this season than he ever did last year when he was a rookie. He never seems to have the puck, he can't win a faceoff and doesn't look like the emerging top-six forward he is supposed to be.
Hopefully being a healthy scratch for a game or two will give Hayes the kick in the butt that he needs. Something needs to change with Hayes and for the Rangers sake they better hope that this healthy scratch will do it.

What Kevin Hayes said today after practice

3:44PM

Nov 23, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers right wing Kevin Hayes (13) is congratulated by his teammates after scoring a goal against the Nashville Predators during the third period at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers defeated the Predators 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports (Andy Marlin)

Kevin Hayes spoke with the media today after practice and said: (NYR)

• Is this a wakeup call, "yea, obviously you don't want to sit out games but I don't make the lineup. That is something you gotta ask the coach."
• How do you feel about your game, "My game isn't nearly where I want it to be. I had goals and aspirations coming into the season and I haven't even come close to mine. I'm struggling right now. Take it day by day and see how it goes."
• Are you surprised with the last few weeks, "no one wants to lose, you always want to win games. We haven't been on the right side of the scoreboard lately but we are still working hard."
• On his confidence, "I am confident in my abilities. Things aren't going my way or the team's way. I'm not gonna switch, there are things I need to switch and get pucks to the net and do things a little better but I'm not gonna stray away from what I bring to the table and I am confident in what I have."