Adam Fox, the $66.5 million defenseman for the New York Rangers, talked about the team’s struggles after a 6-2 loss to the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday. He said the Rangers had trouble keeping zone time and creating chances. They were often limited to short offensive plays. Fox mentioned the team has been on their heels lately and needs to put more pressure on offense.
"Definitely. I mean, seems like we kind of found a little bit more in the second," Fox said. "The past two games, giving up 20-something shots, getting five, it's just indicative of a couple things. We're on our heels a little bit and one and done in the offensive zone and not making them defend."
Coach Peter Laviolette agreed, saying the team’s offense isn’t working as planned. He mentioned that the Rangers have good movement and chances but are missing the finishing touch.
"Um, well, it's not scoring. They're not dropping right now. There's some movement, there's some looks, we're walking in, but it's not falling for us. So, it can be better. There's no question it can be better," Laviolette said. (1:05)
Laviolette also explained the Rangers' struggles against the Oilers.
“It was different tonight, it seemed like our heads were in it, but our game didn’t follow,” Laviolette said (via NHL.com). “The other night we just seemed to be flat, but I thought tonight, their rush, we didn’t handle the rush and the D-zone coverage, I don’t think we handled it well."
The Oilers dominated early, outshooting the NYR 21-9 in the first period and taking a 2-0 lead. Artemi Panarin scored both of the Rangers’ goals but couldn’t overcome the team’s struggles.
Forward Vincent Trocheck stresses urgency as Rangers face Blues next
Vincent Trocheck also stressed the need for urgency and self-reflection before their next game.
“We’re leaving our goalies out to dry, in the first period especially,” Vincent Trocheck said (via NHL.com). “And we have to come out with a lot more urgency and we have to dig deep here and look at ourselves in the mirror before the next game.”
New York (12-6-1, 5-3-1 at home) will host the St. Louis Blues (9-12-1, 4-6-1 on the road) on Monday at 7:00 PM EST.