COLUMBUS, Ohio — After a string of six straight healthy scratches, defenseman Brendan Smith returned to the Rangers’ lineup. And for the time being, it seems like he will stay there.
“I thought he had a good game, played within his game, and had the opportunity in that first [period] to give us a lead,” coach Alain Vigneault said after a 2-0 loss to the Blue Jackets. “He had two really good looks. Unfortunately for us, their goaltender made the saves.”
In 19 shifts over 14:25 of ice time, Smith produced two hits and three shots on goal. He was one of two Rangers beaten by the left circle, along with David Desharnais, when Brandon Dubinsky set up Zach Werenski for the game’s first goal. Vigneault said Smith, who replaced Steven Kampfer in the lineup, will be in there Sunday against the Senators at the Garden.
Smith, who signed a four-year, $17.4 million deal this summer after coming over to the Rangers from the Red Wings in a trade deadline deal, dressed for just the 12th time in 20 games this year. He was paired with Marc Staal on the Rangers’ third defense pairing for most of the evening.
Vigneault was not pleased with the third period interference penalty called on Pavel Buchnevich against Blue Jackets center Boone Jenner that led to the game’s crucial second goal.
“In my estimation, my opinion, that’s his ice. The other guy ran into him,” Vigneault said. “Not sure why there was a penalty. That’s my opinion. I guess the referee didn’t see it the same way.”
Nineteen seconds later, Artemi Panarin extended the Columbus lead to 2-0, effectively ending any Rangers hopes for a comeback.
Center Paul Carey was a healthy scratch. … Left wing Jimmy Vesey appeared in his 100th NHL game. … Goaltender Henrik Lundqvist equaled his season high with 40 saves.