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5 New York Rangers Players New Jersey Devils Must Keep Quiet To Win Series

By Nick Villano

New York Rangers defenseman Adam Fox (23) ties up with New Jersey Devils defenseman Kevin Bahl (88) during the third period in game two of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
New York Rangers defenseman Adam Fox (23) ties up with New Jersey Devils defenseman Kevin Bahl (88) during the third period in game two of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /
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New Jersey Devils
New York Rangers defenseman Adam Fox (23): Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Adam Fox

If the series MVP wasn’t Chris Kreider, then it was Rangers defenseman Adam Fox. He was on the ice for eight Rangers goals in the first two games. His six assists are third in the league going into Tuesday’s games. Fox has been all over the ice, stealing pucks in the offensive zone to keep chances alive.

Fox is also directly responsible for keeping power play opportunities going. There were a few times where the Devils tried to get the puck out of the zone, but Fox was at the right place at the right time. He’s a savant at keeping the puck in the zone.

This is one of the best players in the league. The Devils can’t completely discount Fox’s contributions, but they can at least keep the defenseman playing defense. The Devils need to avoid as many defensive zone faceoffs where Gerard Gallant can start his star blueliners in a scoring position. Fox has had 44 offensive zone faceoffs, the most among all Rangers (Kreider was second).

Rangers Coach Gallant has been deploying Fox more often in the offensive zone when the Rangers need him most. He had 25 offensive zone faceoffs over the last two games. He only had 17 defensive zone faceoffs and eight in the neutral zone. Fox is a superstar, and the Devils must ensure he only flashes greatness in the defensive zone.

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