Alain Vigneault: Kevin Hayes 'not good enough'

The New York Rangers have gone 3-6-1 over their last 10 games, and head coach Alain Vigneault was not afraid to single out a certain player for the team's struggles.

That player: forward Kevin Hayes.

"I think we all have our tipping points, and I think Kevin has had an extra-long leash, especially considering [center Derek Stepan] was out for quite some time," Vigneault said in regard to Hayes, who will be a healthy scratch Wednesday night against the Lightning. "But there’s just nothing going on. At the end of the day, we’re at the point now where we have to make some decisions in the best interests of the team.”

Vigneault elaborated further on Hayes.

"In Kevin’s case, I think we made it clear our expectations about him and what we felt he could do were very high. Obviously, he hasn’t lived up to that," Vigneault said. "Did we over-estimate his possibilities? I don’t know, time will tell. But I do know that what I’m seeing now, and what we’re seeing now, is not good enough."

After receiving the criticism from his coach, Hayes gave only a tepid response.

"My game isn’t nearly where I want it to be," Hayes said. "Goals and aspirations coming into a season, and I haven’t even come close to mine. I’m struggling right now, so take it day-by-day, see how it goes."

Hayes, 23, has just six goals and and 11 assists in 37 games this season so far for the Rangers.