Possible explanation... Glass likely sits out against teams without grit/size because he isn't needed. Ranger physical mediocrity cannot be exploited by such teams, and Rangers flourish.
I seriously doubt the Rangers would've had 128 points solely by virtue of replacing Glass with a different 12th forward in the lineup.
Interesting theory.
Here's some of the personnel the Rangers were up against in those 16 games sans Glass:
Shawn Thornton, Dan Carcillo, Chris Neil, Zack Sill, Steve Downie, Cal Clutterbuck, Matt Martin, Andrew Desjardins, Kyle Clifford, Patrick Maroon, Clayton Stoner, Nicolas Deslauriers, Patrick Kaleta, Cody McCormick, Derek Dorsett, Radko Gudas, Zac Rinaldo (x2), Wayne Simmonds (x2)
I think one of Glass or McIlrath needs to play every night.
Even though the NHL is moving away from fighting.
You need to have one guy that is comfortable dropping the gloves
Otherwise teams can expose you
I think
Can you cite any times the Rangers were exposed without Glass last season?