Rangers Face Major Concerns After Loss to Lightning
The Rangers’ disappointing performance in their recent game against the Lightning might have larger ramifications than just the 4-1 scoreline.
During the latter part of the match on Saturday at Madison Square Garden, prominent defenseman Adam Fox exited with what appeared to be a left arm injury and did not return.
Coach Mike Sullivan stated that Fox is undergoing evaluation for an upper-body injury, leaving his status unclear.
Brandon Hagel from Tampa Bay scored the game’s first two goals. He was ejected 12:57 into the third period after colliding heavily with Fox, who was already favoring his arm.
Earlier in the game, Fox managed to score the Rangers’ sole goal, assisted by JT Miller. This marked Fox’s 23rd assist of the season, extending his consecutive assist streak to six games—a notable feat for a defenseman.
After Fox left the ice, the Rangers almost narrowed the score to 3-1 during a power play. In a significant adjustment, Sullivan opted to deploy five forwards instead of a traditional point man.
Mika Zibanejad commented on Fox’s impact, saying, “He’s been instrumental for our power play. Without him, things change.” He expressed the challenge of trying to keep momentum with such a key player absent.
Igor Shesterkin was once again the last line of defense, mustering 31 saves during his second straight start—a rare occurrence since February 2023.
Meanwhile, backup goaltender Jonathan Quick has been sidelined for four games due to a lower-body injury sustained on November 22, and it’s uncertain when he might be back on the ice.
Dylan Garland, a fourth-round draft pick in 2020, has been serving as a backup since his call-up from AHL Hartford, though coach Sullivan seems hesitant to rest Shesterkin to give Garland a chance in net.
Despite managing the workload between Shesterkin and Quick, Sullivan acknowledged that they may need to reassess if the situation warrants. “We’re monitoring Shesty’s workload closely,” he noted, recognizing the strain on the team.
On a brighter note, defenseman Will Bogen has returned from an upper-body injury that kept him out for five games, while Conor Sheary has been healthy for three consecutive games after appearing in the Rangers’ first 24 this season.
