Rangers healthy scratch Kreider for blowout loss to Devils

The slumping New York Rangers made veteran forward Chris Kreider a healthy scratch for Monday's contest against the New Jersey Devils.

"It was just a lineup decision. We just need more," head coach Peter Laviolette said after the contest, per the New York Post's Mollie Walker.

The Devils won 5-0, and limited New York to 12 shots.

The Rangers have now lost 12 of their past 17 games, and have dropped out of a playoff spot after winning the Presidents' Trophy last season. Kreider has missed three games during New York's skid because of injury and has produced only two goals and one assist in his past 13 appearances.

Kreider was reportedly made available for a trade earlier this season, but a move can't be imminent because the NHL's holiday trade freeze is in effect. Rangers players were reportedly upset about the club's longest-tenured player being dangled on the market without any warning.

New York has dealt former captain Jacob Trouba and 2019 second-overall pick Kaapo Kakko in recent weeks to try to reignite its season.

Kreider has posted 11 goals in 30 games this season, a significant drop-off after topping 35 goals in each of the three previous campaigns.