Game #59: Toronto Maple Leafs vs New York Rangers Open Thread

Following a three-game road trip that saw the Blueshirts go 2-1 in their return from the 4 Nations Face-Off break, the team has returned home to kick off the home portion of its stretch run. It'll be an Original Six matchup against the Toronto Maple Leafs as the Rangers begin a four game home stand with their eyes on a playoff spot.

Although New York enters play on Friday fresh off of back-to-back victories against the Penguins and Islanders, some concern still lingers. The Blueshirts victories in those games came on the back of opportunistic offense, timely saves from Igor Shesterkin, and not a whole lot in the way of legitimately good play on the ice. It's not exactly a sustainable formula for success, and Peter Laviolette's squad will have to navigate the upcoming portion of its schedule without Adam Fox.

Both Fox and K'Andre Miller exited Tuesday's game against the Islanders with injuries. While Miller is slated to miss little to no time with his injury, Fox has been placed on injured reserve with what the Rangers are designating an "upper-body" injury after awkwardly landing on his shoulder. Matthew Robertson has been recalled from AHL Hartford for extra depth, but he'll likely only draw into the lineup if another defenseman were to suffer an injury. The Maple Leafs are bringing their usual cast of high-octane forward with them tonight, so New York's depleted defense corps will be in for a challenge.

Player to Watch: Zac Jones

Entering the 2024-25 season as one of New York's projected third pairing defenseman, Jones has fallen out of favor and has been the team's seventh defenseman for the majority of the last two months. Only playing twice since the Christmas break, Jones will draw into the lineup in the wake of Adam Fox's injury looking to stake his claim to a long-term lineup spot. Keep an eye on Jones tonight as he returns to the ice for what should be an extended run of playing time over the next few weeks.

Enjoy the game!