The real reason the Rangers scratched Drew Fortescue, plus a 'fiery' showing in Dallas

DALLAS — The New York Rangers had gone six straight games with the same lineup entering Saturday’s 2-0 loss to the Dallas Stars at American Airlines Center, with coach Mike Sullivan suggesting it could remain that way for this three-game road trip to close out the season.“We’re walking that line where, obviously, there’s been a lot of young kids in the lineup that are getting opportunities to play,” he said prior to the game. “The other aspect of it is the team has played extremely well over the last number of games, so when you say that the lineup hasn’t changed a whole lot, that’s a big reason why. I think it’s an important message that performance matters, and there’s a measure of accountability.“When guys are deserving to stay in the lineup, what message is that if I take them out?”Advertisement