VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Zach Jones has stumbled several times on his quest to become an NHL regular, whether it's through his own actions or the obstacles put in front of him.
But the 200-foot play he produced on his own to give the Rangers insurance in the final game showed the drive and perseverance Jones has had to play every day since entering the league three years ago. It's just proof of that.
Sunday will be Jones' 11th of the season and sixth consecutive appearance after head coach Peter Laviolette opted to start rookie Victor Mancini when Ryan Lindgren returned from injury in late October. Ta.
The decision relegated Jones to the press box for most of his tenure with the Rangers, playing in five of six games after appearing in the first four games of the season.
All of this after he secured his first spot in the lineup out of training camp, made possible by the Rangers' decision not to bring in a new defenseman in the offseason.
“It was horrible,” Jones told the Post after the Rangers practiced at Rogers Arena on Monday ahead of Tuesday's matchup with the Canucks. “Obviously, I want to play and I don't want to be out of the lineup, but this year I tried to take it as a reset. I feel like last year I would have taken it more personally. Why would he do something like this? What's your reasoning? I'm just thinking too much.
“Whereas this year, it was like, ‘Okay, let’s relax a little bit.’ Reset your mind and body and be ready to go whenever the next opportunity comes and make sure he doesn’t take you out of the lineup. Please.”
That's exactly what Jones has done since returning to the Rangers' lineup earlier this month.
It culminated in Sunday night's dominant performance, with Jones scoring his first goal of the season on an end-to-end play, tearing through the Kraken as if he were Davy Jones himself, forcing a 3-on-2 zone. Created an intrusion. .
Jones and his ability to move the puck helped the Blueshirts clean up breakouts and make transitions up the ice. This is an aspect of their game that needed attention until a few games ago.
His pairing with Braden Schneider is very solid, not only guarding the defensive responsibilities but also contributing on the offensive side of the puck.
In the last six games they've played together, Jones and Schneider have scored seven goals for the Rangers and only been on the ice for one goal, according to Natural Stat Trick.
The Rangers outscored their opponents 42-36 and held a 19-9 advantage with two dangerous chances on the ice.
“We were effective in getting the puck out and moving the puck into the neutral zone quickly,” Laviolette said. “I think advancing the zone and playing fast is an important part of playing the game. [Jones] He's a guy who likes to skate with the puck. The message is the same for everyone, but I think that's one of his strengths, his skating and puck mobility. ”
Given how things played out earlier in the season, it wouldn't be surprising if the Rangers targeted a defenseman at the trade deadline.
That will be a new challenge for Jones on his journey to becoming a regular in the lineup.
But there's no question that Jones stuck to his guns no matter the circumstances.
“It's definitely made it easier because I've been in this role for the past few years,” Jones said. “Obviously, last year has given me a new perspective on things because most of the year has been tough. Things don't always go the way you want them to. Be prepared for whatever it is. must be kept.
“Last year was tough for me, but coming through it definitely helped and I think it will help future players as well.” [I become]”
