The New York Rangers had plenty to celebrate after their 5-1 road victory over the New York Islanders on Tuesday at UBS Arena. However, their excitement was dampened by injuries to two of their most crucial defensemen.
K’Andre Miller, a key piece of the second defensive pairing and an essential penalty killer, left the game in the second period with a lower-body injury. The situation worsened in the third period when top-pair defenseman Adam Fox, a former Norris Trophy winner, exited with an upper-body injury and did not return.
“They’re being evaluated right now,” was all head coach Peter Laviolette shared postgame.
While it was unclear exactly when or how Miller got hurt, Fox’s injury occurred at 3:16 of the third period. Defending in front of his net, he fell hard onto his left side and immediately skated off in clear discomfort, heading straight to the dressing room. Speculation suggests he may have injured his shoulder or collarbone. Adding insult to injury, Fox was penalized for hooking on the play, with rookie forward Brennen Othmann serving the penalty in his absence.
Losing Fox for any extended period would be a major setback for the Rangers. Entering Tuesday, he led the team in average ice time (23:20) while playing alongside Ryan Lindgren and quarterbacking the power play. Earlier in the game, Fox assisted on Jonny Brodzinski’s second goal of the first period, extending his point streak to seven games. He has 48 points (43 assists) in 58 games, ranking among the league’s top-scoring defensemen.
Miller, who logged just two second-period shifts and none after the 6:19 mark, finished with 10:13 of ice time. Though his offensive production has been lower this season—14 points (four goals, 10 assists) in 51 games—he remains a crucial part of the Rangers’ defense.
While the Rangers managed to finish the game without Fox and Miller, navigating a longer stretch without them in a tight playoff race will be far more challenging. They currently sit in a three-way tie for ninth place in the Eastern Conference, just two points out of the second wild-card spot.
“It’s tough losing key players, but I thought the guys really stepped up,” Laviolette said.
Zac Jones, recently back from a conditioning stint in Hartford, is the Rangers’ seventh defenseman and could slot into the lineup. If Miller remains out, Jones might take his spot or move to the third pair if Urho Vaakanainen, who had an NHL career-high three points against the Islanders, is promoted.
The Hartford Wolf Pack also have defensemen with NHL experience, including Chad Ruhwedel, Erik Brannstrom, Connor Mackey, and Casey Fitzgerald. Additionally, Matthew Robertson, a 2019 second-round pick, is still awaiting his NHL debut.
Braden Schneider, a right-handed defenseman capable of playing both sides, is another key player to watch. If Fox is sidelined, Schneider could move up to the top or second pair, depending on whether Will Borgen steps into Fox’s role.
Schneider himself had a scare in Tuesday’s game, blocking a shot with his knee while killing a penalty in the third period. He stayed on the ice in pain before finally getting off but later returned, allowing the Rangers to finish the game with four defensemen.
“A big, gutsy effort from all four guys back there,” said Brodzinski, who tallied two goals and three points in the win.
