Rangers Adjust Lineup and Power Play After Adam Fox Injury

The team explores unconventional strategies to replace contributions from their star defenseman, sidelined with a shoulder injury.

Adam Fox, the Rangers' top defenseman and former Norris Trophy winner, is out with a left shoulder injury sustained in Tuesday's game against the Islanders.
Fox's absence leaves a significant gap, as he led the team in ice time, was second in scoring, and played key roles on both the power play and penalty kill.
Head coach Peter Laviolette has introduced a five-forward power-play unit, with Mika Zibanejad running the point, as part of a creative response to Fox's absence.
Urho Vaakanainen, recently elevated to the top-four defensive pairings, will partner with Ryan Lindgren and play on his off-hand side to help fill Fox's even-strength role.
The Rangers are also managing injuries to K’Andre Miller and Chris Kreider, both of whom practiced Thursday and are expected to return for Friday's game against the Maple Leafs.