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New York Rangers: Fox and Lindgren could make pantheon of pairings

By Andrew Steele-Davis

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 12: Brandon Tanev #13 of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Ryan Lindgren #55 of the New York Rangers compete for the puck during their game at Madison Square Garden on November 12, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 12: Brandon Tanev #13 of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Ryan Lindgren #55 of the New York Rangers compete for the puck during their game at Madison Square Garden on November 12, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /
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Adam Fox of the New York Rangers skates against the Montreal Canadiens during the third period at the Bell Centre on February 27, 2020 in Montreal, Canada.
Adam Fox of the New York Rangers skates against the Montreal Canadiens during the third period at the Bell Centre on February 27, 2020 in Montreal, Canada. /

Defense wins championships and the New York Rangers may have unearthed a pairing that could form the bedrock of a potential dynasty.

While the 2019-20 NHL season exceeded expectations in more ways than one for the New York Rangers, perhaps the biggest surprise came on the blueline thanks to a duo that has the potential to lead this storied franchise for years to come.

We are of course talking about Adam Fox and Ryan Lindgren.

And no one saw it coming.

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Because, rewind back to the off-season and all the Calder Trophy buzz revolved around Jack Hughes, Quinn Hughes, Cale Makar and the Blueshirts’ very own Kaapo Kakko.

Very few experts had even mentioned Fox among their potential standout rookies, let alone predict the impact the prospect would go on to make.

Whether this season resumes or not, you can now put forward a serious argument as to why the 22-year-old should be among the finalists for that honor.

Then there is Lindgren.

A tough, resilient no-thrills rugged defenseman, the 22-year-old is unlikely to ever flirt with the Norris Trophy given the offensive prowess you need to win that particular award.

However, what Lindgren lacks in flair and skill he more than makes up for in sheer heart and irresistible toughness.

Despite losing out to Libor Hajek when it came to making the opening night roster, Lindgren persevered and sure as hell made the most of his NHL chance when given it.

And, together, Fox and Lindgren formed one of the most tantalizing, mouthwatering and dynamic partnerships to have taken the NHL by storm in years.

A relationship that began during their days with Team USA only blossomed with the Rangers, and it could well be only the start.

Sure, it is far too premature to start predicting a Hall of Fame path similar to other legendary deadly duos such as Jordan and Pippen, Montana and Rice and, more importantly for hockey fans, Messier and Gretzky.

However, there is no doubt that Fox and Lindgren have already forged the kind of chemistry that is rare to find, and their early success could be a mere precursor to greater things to come.

But, first, let’s delve back into 2019-20 and look at just what made the Fox-Lindgren pairing such a home run.

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