Why David Quinn decided to scratch Filip Chytil

ST. LOUIS — This was a move made in the name of development.

Rangers coach David Quinn decided that it would be best to make 19-year-old rookie forward Filip Chytil a healthy scratch for the first time this season for the 2-1 win over the Blues on Monday night. Chytil, the No. 21-overall pick in 2017, had played in all of the club’s first 37 games, but had hit a rough patch.

Quinn didn’t seem angry with the young Czech, but didn’t mince words when it came to explaining the benching.

“It was an easy decision, really,” Quinn said. “Part of development isn’t just throwing people out there to play. Part of development is learning accountability and learning there are certain things that are non-negotiable. He and I have talked about that. He’s let a few things slip in his game that just can’t happen. Sometimes it’s good to sit out, observe from up top.”

The one thing that Quinn has repeatedly said is non-negotiable is effort, and that includes both ends of the ice — not just in the offensive zone, where Chytil is the most effective.

“I think he’s a young player that’s learning all the little things he’s going to have to do that he’s never really had to do before,” Quinn said. “It’s also a long season for a 19-year-old. So I think there is a lot of things that go into that. He’s handled it well. He understands what we’re looking for. There’s certainly a lot of clarity in what we’re looking for. So he’ll be better for it.”

Kevin Shattenkirk returned to the lineup after being out since Dec. 10 with a left-shoulder separation, and he played in St. Louis for the first time since the Blues traded him before 2016-17 deadline.

Paired with Tony DeAngelo, Shattenkirk logged 16:18 of ice time, including 1:48 on the second power-play unit.

“I thought Shatty had a good night,” Quinn said. “Thought he played pretty well and it was good to have him back.”

Forward Boo Nieves returned to the lineup after being scratched in Nashville and scored the game-winning goal at 3:11 of the second period. It was his second goal in the past three games he played, this time the natural center going as a left-winger on a line with Brett Howden and Pavel Buchnevich.

“I thought he had his legs, he was moving, he had a lot of jump to his game,” said Quinn, who played Nieves 10:35. “I liked a lot about his game.”

Brendan Smith and Fredrik Claesson were the scratches on defense.

Kevin Hayes had his nine-game points streak ended, going minus-1 over 19:58. During his streak, he had five goals and 11 assists.