Adam Fox hitting new level for Rangers in the postseason
While we are in the infancy of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, defenseman Adam Fox has apparently found a new gear and is tied for the lead in NHL postseason scoring with 6 points.
Mitch Marner of the Toronto Maple Leafs is the other player atop the scoring list, but he’s a forward.
A big reason for his hot start is the New York Rangers power play going 4 for 10, all courtesy of Chris Kreider’s puck deflecting skills in front. However, head coach Gerard Gallant cited Fox as the reason for their success.
“Because Fox is shooting the puck now,” he explained on Thursday. “Instead of giving it to Mika (Zibanejad) on the side, he’s shooting more pucks and Kreids is getting more opportunities in front of the net.”
Adam Fox on fire to start playoffs
Here’s a few highlight of just how impressive a start Fox is having:
- Sixth defenseman in NHL history with six points through his first two games in a playoff year, joining Gary Suter (1988), John Carlson (2018), Al MacInnis (1999), Bobby Orr (1971) and Pierre Pilote (1964).
- First defenseman in Rangers history to record six points in the first two contests of a postseason.
- Fox (1.16 P/GP) and Bobby Orr (1.24) are the only two defensemen in NHL history to have a P/GP of 1.10 or higher with 25 or more playoff games played.
Note: Some stats via New York Rangers
Adam Fox finding another level
Aside from his obvious special abilities to make plays and generate offensive chances, Fox appears to be finding another level in the defensive zone.
In the first two games of this first-round series against the New jersey Devils, the 2021 Norris Trophy winner has been excellent with his reads. That is leading to fast transitions up ice as the team is turning defense into offense quickly.
Another noticeable aspect to Fox’s game has been his physical play. While he was tough in the playoffs last season, it appears the 25 year-old learned some valuable lessons in the team’s run to the Eastern Conference Final that fell short in six games to the Tampa Bay Lightning.
All early signs are pointing to another potentially long playoff run. If the Blueshirts hope to win hockey’s ultimate prize, they’ll need Fox to continue his awe-inspiring level of play.
The Rangers are preparing for Game 3 on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden where they will look to grab a 3-0 stranglehold on the series.
Link to New York Rangers schedule.
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