Rangers Roundup: Jacob Trouba injury presents Zac Jones opportunity, Karl Henriksson signs ELC, and more
The Rangers were run over by the Islanders last night. You can fault Anthony Bitetto and Brendan Smith on defense all you like, but that’s not why they lost the game. The Islanders played a playoff style brand of hockey and freight trained their way to a 6-1 win.
It was made easier when Matt Martin took out the Blueshirts best physical player and leader on the blue-line, Jacob Trouba. The hit wobbled Trouba who showed all the effects of a concussion that has yet to be confirmed by the team.
Jacob Trouba injury presents an opportunity for Zac Jones
Trouba left the game mid-way through the first period and did not return. Carey Price, who actually finished the first period after a collision on Monday is out one week on concussion protocol, so this could be the same scenario at the very least. The Rangers don’t have the luxury of time, and it is clear after two games, Anthony Bitetto is not the answer.
Libor Hajek should immediately return to the lineup, and if the Rangers think Tarmo Reunanen is a better option because he can play the right side, bring him up. But for young Zac Jones, this one is a no-brainer for David Quinn who was trying to get him more practice time before playing a game.
“It’s been hard because we haven’t had a lot of team practices so it’s been tough to judge him,” David Quinn explained on a date for Zac Jones debut. “From the stuff that you see, he’s got a quick brain, quick stick, a great skill set – really understand the game,” he continued. “We have another practice tomorrow and it will give us another opportunity to get a feel for what he’s capable of doing.”
That really isn’t much to go on at face value but the Rangers next four games are against the Philadelphia Flyers and Buffalo Sabres. It’s time to let the kid play.
Rangers ink prospect center Karl Henriksson
The Blueshirts have inked their best center prospect Karl Henriksson. Selected in the second round of the 2019 draft, Henriksson is on the small side but has excellent play-making skills. He could be a surprise for the Rangers coming out of camp next season.
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