In reflecting on the three video games the Rangers have been with out prime defenseman Adam Fox earlier than the All-Star break, coach Gerard Gallant particularly talked about rookie Zac Jones whereas commending the protection’s total efficiency.
After sending Jones right down to AHL Hartford for further enjoying time throughout the lull in NHL video games, the Rangers recalled Jones from the Wolf Pack on Sunday. The 21-year-old defenseman was on the ice for apply, primarily skating with Libor Hajek because the fourth pair.
“I’ve seen what I’ve been advised about him,” Gallant mentioned of Jones, who has one help and 4 pictures on internet in six NHL video games this season. “What we like about him, he can skate, he strikes the puck actual effectively. He’s a proficient man. He can play energy play if you happen to want him. I feel he performed very well. He got here in and he was assured and he’s lots just like the [Braden] Schneider child that got here in they usually’re assured.
“They’ve completed a superb job within the American League, enjoying effectively and getting professional recreation expertise. I’ve acquired nothing however good issues to say from what I’ve seen from him.”
Gallant has held off on confirming whether or not Patrik Nemeth, who missed the final 5 video games earlier than the break for what the group mentioned have been “private causes,” will probably be out there Tuesday towards the Bruins. Jones would possible be the one to attract into the lineup ought to that be the case.
Nevertheless, Nemeth has been a full participant within the final three days of apply. The veteran blueliner has skated on the third pair with Schneider because the Rangers returned to apply, indicating he’ll most likely be capable of play Tuesday.
“We’ll see the place it goes,” Gallant mentioned. “We’re not one hundred pc certain on the lineup but, for certain. [Jones] performed very well earlier than the break.”
No matter Nemeth’s standing, Jones presents an alternative choice for the Rangers’ backside pair that ought to be entertained. Despite the fact that Schneider has logged probably the most minutes subsequent to Nemeth since making his NHL debut on Jan. 13, Jones brings an offensive upside that might complement Schneider’s bodily aptitude.
Requested if forging an all-rookie defensive duo was one thing he’d take into account, Gallant mentioned sure with out hesitation.
“I acquired no difficulty with that,” he mentioned. “They’re each children, they’re each rookies, however the way in which they’re enjoying, I acquired no drawback with that.”
Nonetheless, the Rangers appear comfy with having the 30-year-old Nemeth to spherical out the protection.
“We at all times do just like the veteran presence, clearly,” Gallant mentioned. “It makes an enormous distinction. However once more, when the youngsters are enjoying good and if Nemeth will not be able to go and Jonesy occurs to be there — or Libor [Hajek] — no drawback.”
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