Rangers Roundup: Fox ready to go, Nemeth questionable, Super Bowl picks, and more
The New York Rangers held their first official practice on Saturday after an ease-in skate on Friday since last playing February 1. It was a much appreciated break for the team, and in particular Adam Fox.
The reigning Norris Trophy winner suffered his injury early in the third period of a Rangers’ 5-3 loss to Columbus on January 27. Fox was pinned up against the boards in what appeared to be an innocent play. However, as soon as he was released he gingerly skated to the bench in discomfort. He went to the locker-room and did not return.
“Yeah, I got pinned a little awkwardly,” he admitted. “It was nothing too bad, but a little extra caution going into the break.”
Fox ready, Nemeth not yet for New York Rangers
The injury cost Fox three games and his first appearance at the All-Star Game. New York went 2-1 in his absence, and now he is raring to go.
“You’re a little antsy watching the games and you want to be out there,” he said. “I feel 100% and ready to go.”
This season, the 23 year-old has 47 points in 44 contests which is second to Tampa’s Victor Hedman (48 points in 48 games) among all NHL blue-liners in scoring.
At practice, Fox rejoined his regular partner Ryan Lindgren. That dropped rookie Braden Schneider to the third pair with Patrik Nemeth.
When head coach Gerard Gallant was asked if Nemeth was ready to join the lineup he did not make any commitments.
“We’re not sure he’s back yet– he’s coming along,” the coach said. “He’s not in the lineup yet for Tuesday (against Boston). We have to take our time with him and make sure he’s good to go.”
The Rangers will be back on the ice for practice again today.
Rangers Super Bowl Picks
It’s Super Bowl Sunday with the Cincinnati Bengals and the Los Angeles Rams squaring off to take home the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
Rangers picking the Cincinnati Bengals:
- Gerard Gallant
- Mika Zibanejad
- Adam Fox
- Greg McKegg
- Kevin Rooney
Rangers picking the Los Angeles Rams:
- Jarred Tinordi
- Tim Gettinger
- Mark Ciaccio (Skills Coach)
Kaapo Kakko out at least a month
Head coach Gerard Gallant met with the media on Friday and provided a somber update on Kaapo Kakko’s health.
“He’s going to be out for awhile,” Gallant answered on Kakko’s status. “Probably at least a month.”
Kakko, 21, last played on January 21 against the Carolina Hurricanes. Television cameras caught Kakko wincing in a lot of pain and discomfort at the end of the second period as he was flexing his shoulder and chest area.
“The trainer told me this morning it is going to be a month,” Gallant reiterated. “We’ll see where it is in three weeks time and go from there.”
With Kakko out, Alexis Lafrenière will remain on the top line with Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad. It also looks like Barclay Goodrow and not Dryden Hunt will play on the second line with Ryan Strome and Artemi Panarin.
“He’s been everywhere,” Gallant smiled about Goodrow’s versatility. “I like him anywhere – he plays good anywhere.”
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