It looks like Jonathan Quick has found himself in the doghouse in New York. The perennial All-Star was chased in back to back blowouts a little over a week ago and did not play against Nashville two nights later in favor of backup Karri Ramo. Initially the move looked like a much needed rest day and didn’t raise too many eyebrows. The questions wouldn’t be far behind though as  Karri Ramo seized the opportunity stopping 30 of the Predators 32 shots, and led the Rangers to a much need overtime win, snapping a four game losing streak. Jonathan Quick has not seen a minute of ice time in the Rangers crease since.

Initially the argument could be made that following two of the worst games in Jonathan Quick’s career, the Rangers had simply elected to give him a couple of nights off to rest and get his head straight. He had started all but two of the Rangers games up until that point and it is not uncommon for a goaltender to get a couple nights off after two bad performances. Karri Ramo would start the next four games though which raises the question of “What is wrong with Jonathan Quick?”

As we approach the half way point of the season Quick has not looked anything like the wall he had been in the Rangers net in previous years. The Rangers are in “Win now” mode and were relying on a stand out season from their goaltender who was entering a contract year. What they have gotten this far is an average goaltender at best who for the most part has looked tired, out of shape and at times simply out to lunch. There has been no statement released indicating an injury which leads one to wonder if the pressure of a contract season on a team with big hopes has gotten into Quick’s head.

The Rangers have also made no secret that they are unhappy with Quick’s play either. Even before benching him for four games there were whispers that the Rangers were entertaining offers and would consider moving him before the deadline in favor of a lesser goaltender with years of control beyond this season. To complicate matters even more Karri Ramo for the most part has outplayed Quick in his limited opportunities posting a better record, GAA and SPCT. The Rangers have also shown a willingness to ride with Karri Ramo as long as he can keep up his high level of play, even showing confidence in his last start where he gave up 4 goals  and still was not replaced by Quick.

The fact is that the longer that the Rangers stick with Karri Ramo the more likely it is that Jonathan Quick’s time in New York is fizzling out. It is highly unlikely that the Rangers elect to move Quick without a solid starting goaltender coming back as an insurance policy in case Ramo’s luck runs out. They are still very much a strong playoff contender and it would seem foolish to move a goaltender like Quick without a decent return and a backup plan in place. That being said it is an interesting development to watch closely as what once seemed like a certainty that the Rangers would use a loyalty discount to bring back their goaltender, now seems unlikely, and the chances of a move before the deadline increase by the day.