The New York Rangers continue to win hockey games on this crucial West Coast road trip. In their second game of the four-game stint, they were able to win a tough battle against the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday night, 4-3.
The offense was able to keep the Rangers ahead against a formidable Canucks offense. But the show's stars were the defensive unit, who helped Shesterkin win his eighth game of the year.
Let’s break down the defensive unit.
Helping Hands
The defensive unit was fantastic in this one, with multiple players exceeding expectations. They could play a full 200-foot game, helping out on both ends of the ice.
Adam Fox continues his all-assist campaign, by adding two more dimes to give him 15 on the season. He has been stellar this season, and the tandem of himself and K’Andre Miller is shaping into a solid long-term relationship for years to come.
Speaking of Miller, he continues making the case that he could be brought back at the end of the year. On the night the pairing of Fox and Miller had a CorsiFor of 71.4%, which was the highest of any defensive line combo on either team. The prospect of seeing a Ryan Lindgren and Fox reunion is just about all gone.
Impressive Play From Jones
One of the highlights of the night came from d-man Zac Jones. It has been a roller coaster type year for him, appearing in only 12 games thus far and being sat for the rest. But, in last night’s matchup, he made the absolute best of his opportunity with this ferocious play by the boards in the defensive zone.
Absolutely love this from Jones. #NYR pic.twitter.com/jZM6QLryHw
— Snark Messier (@NYRFanatic) November 20, 2024
This type of tenacity has been absent from Jones game. His offensive potential from the blue line has been a main draw for him, but grittiness has always been missing. Going forward, he has a long season ahead of him and it is exciting to see what else he adds to his game as he tries to be a full-time member of this roster.