Blue Line Station
Fansided

New York Rangers postseason rookies

By Rachel Nones

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 27: Adam Fox #23 of the New York Rangers celebrates his first period goal against the Carolina Hurricanes at Madison Square Garden on November 27, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 27: Adam Fox #23 of the New York Rangers celebrates his first period goal against the Carolina Hurricanes at Madison Square Garden on November 27, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Kaapo Kakko #24 of the New York Rangers celebrates his goal with Adam Fox #23 and Brett Howden #21 (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Kaapo Kakko #24 of the New York Rangers celebrates his goal with Adam Fox #23 and Brett Howden #21 (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

First year Rangers

Adam Fox: Ironically enough, the Rangers received Fox from the Hurricanes and that is exactly who he will spend his rookie postseason defending against. Fox has earned the collective heart of Rangers fans and deservingly so. This season, Fox recorded an astonishing 42 points in 70 games played. Now even though his offensive numbers are high, Fox is still an intelligent defender. He has blocked 92 shots and laid 35 hits, despite not being the biggest Blueshirt.

Igor Shesterkin:  Playoff Shesterkin is what dreams are made of.  Rangers fans were unsure how long it would take the team to reach the postseason with Shesterkin in net but it turned out we most likely will not have to wait much longer. Assuming he is the go-to goaltender for the series, he will likely be the most fun player to watch. His first NHL season with the Rangers will also be his first shot at the NHL Cup Race despite veteran goaltender Henrik Lundqvist’s dazzling performances against the Canes. In 12 games, he only lost twice, even though he played a partial game accounting for the New Jersey Devils loss. He currently sits with a .932% save record and has a 2.52 goals against average.

Julien Gauthier #12 of the New York Rangers (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
Julien Gauthier #12 of the New York Rangers (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /

Julien Gauthier:  Gauthier is another player who came from the Canes, obtained in a trade that sent defenseman Joey Keane to Carolina.  The big-bodied Gauthier is awaiting his first goal as a Ranger and the qualifying series is as good a time as ever. Due to the timing of this exchange, Gauthier had limited games to showcase his ability. In 12 games he has two assists and although has been in the bottom six, has time to work his way up being 22 years old.

Kaapo Kakko: The Rangers’ second overall draft pick from last year’s Entry Draft was able to join the team immediately but his impact has not been so immediate like many had hoped or anticipated. In 66 games with the Rangers, he recorded 23 points, 10 of which were goals. He averages about 14 minutes of ice time like his fellow younger teammates and has found himself with different linemates throughout the season. There is no need to rush his development but seeing him flourish in this year’s cup round would be icing on the cake.

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