Key Rangers defenseman is healthy for Game 1 against Hurricanes

When defenseman Adam Fox hit the ice on Saturday after an entire week of missing practice due to “maintenance,” a collective sigh of relief was heard across New York.

There was some genuine concern with the New York Rangers star blue-liner after he took a knee-on-knee hit from Washington Capitals defenseman Nick Jensen late in their series-clinching win last week. However, as the Rangers get set to begin their Eastern Conference Second Round series against the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday, it appears they will be at full strength.

“At this time of the year, if you can get some extra rest it’s important,” Fox said . “Obviously, it’s nice to get out there and skate before the game.”

Based on line rushes, the lineup for Game 1 will be exactly as it was throughout the opening round.

Related: Should Rangers platoon Matt Rempe

Adam Fox good to go for Rangers

Fox, 26, registered 73 points (17 goals, 56 assists) in 72 games during the regular season. Through four playoffs games to date, he’s collected two assists.

This is also the second time this season Fox was involved in a knee-on-knee collision. Carolina forward Sebastian Aho stuck out his leg on Nov. 2 causing him to miss 10 games and a shot at capturing his second Norris Trophy as the NHL’s best defenseman.

Other Notes

The Blueshirts received a bit of an injury scare at practice when defenseman K’Andre Miller left early after taking a puck to the face. Per head coach Peter Laviolette, he’s fine .

Miller, 24, posted 30 points (eight goals, 22 assists) in 80 games this year with one goal (shorthanded) in the postseason to date.

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