The New York Rangers are on the verge of pushing the panic button. The Blueshirts lost their top defenseman during Saturday’s loss against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Madison Square Garden.
Adam Fox sustained what seemed like a shoulder injury during the third period. Fox played the puck along the boards, behind the Rangers’ net. He took a nasty crunch from Brandon Hagel, leaving him on the ice in pain.
The replay showed how Fox’s left shoulder absorbed most of the impact up against the glass.
Here’s a look at the play, as shared by The Athletic’s Vince Mercogliano:
Fox left the game after playing 16:27 over 18 shifts. He had just one shot on goal while recording an assist.
Following the game, Rangers coach Mike Sullivan told the media that Fox was still under evaluation, as SNY reported.
It might be too early to tell what, if anything, could have happened to Fox. The injury could range from a sore shoulder to a potentially devastating situation. Of course, that’s all speculation at this point.
There could be more news coming Sunday or into next week. Fox has played 27 games this season, registering three goals and 23 assists for 26 points. He’s a former Norris Trophy winner and the engine leading the club from the Rangers’ blue line.
If Fox misses time, the Rangers will need to shuffle their defense corps to accommodate for Fox’s absence.
Long-Term Injury to Fox Could Be Catastrophic for Rangers
Losing Adam Fox could be catastrophic for the Rangers. Beyond missing Fox’s production, the psychological impact of losing a key piece is not easy to overcome. So, the team could suffer much more beyond the evident on-ice production.
The Rangers would be playing without a crucial leader. That’s why any prolonged absence by Fox would necessitate the club rallying around their current leadership group. Veterans led by captain J.T. Miller will need to keep pushing as the playoffs remain within striking distance.
But panic could set in as the Rangers may feel their season slipping away. But first things first. The team must learn of Fox’s potential injury before pushing the button. Hopefully, the situation may be nothing more than just a massive scare.
Blueshirts Don’t Have Many Options to Replace Fox
The devastating reality of losing Adam Fox is that the Rangers don’t really have anyone to replace him. He’s a top-pair, right-shot defenseman. Those don’t come by very often in the NHL. In his absence, there really isn’t anyone who can make up for his missed offensive production.
So, the Rangers will rely on Will Borgen and Scott Morrow to step up on the right side. Also, Braden Schneider can play both sides. Although the likeliest replacement for Fox would be Borgen on the top pairing with Vladislav Gavrikov.
The Blueshirts’ flat performance against the Lightning should raise some concerns. The Rangers remain stuck in the bottom portion of the Metro Division, though they are just one point off the two wild card spots in the Eastern Conference.
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