The New York Rangers received some positive news regarding their injured defenseman, Adam Fox. Fox, who has been on long-term injured reserve since suffering a knee injury in a collision with Carolina's Sebastian Aho, has resumed skating after two weeks. Although he missed his fifth consecutive game against the Devils, there is hope that Fox could return to the lineup on November 29th when the Rangers face the Red Wings. It remains unclear whether his timeline aligns with fulfilling his LTIR game quota, but the fact that he is back on the ice is a promising sign for his eventual return.

While the update on Fox is encouraging, it raises concerns for Filip Chytil, who has been on injured reserve for the same period as Fox but has yet to resume skating. Chytil's injury history, including multiple concussions, has sparked worries about his long-term durability. The longer he remains off the ice, the more questions arise about his ability to stay healthy. Chytil was eligible to come off IR against the Blue Jackets but was unable to return. Losing Chytil at a time when he was finding chemistry with Artemi Panarin and Alexis Lafreniere on the Rangers' second line is a blow to the team. Vincent Trocheck has stepped in as his replacement, and the line has continued to perform well. However, Chytil may find himself in a different role upon his return if the team's positive momentum continues.

In goal, the Rangers welcomed back Igor Shesterkin after a two-week absence due to an undisclosed issue. Shesterkin made 30 saves on 33 shots in a 5-3 victory over the Devils, providing a much-needed boost to the team. Jonathan Quick returned to his backup role, marking the first game in which both top goalies were available since November 2nd. Shesterkin's injury, along with those of Fox and Chytil, occurred in the same game against the Hurricanes. The Rangers have relied on consistent line combinations and defensive pairs for four consecutive games, highlighting the stability and chemistry within the team.

Zac Jones, who had been a healthy scratch for nine of the first ten games, has seen increased playing time due to Fox's injury. Jones has now played in his fifth consecutive game and has impressed head coach Peter Laviolette with his confidence, skating ability, and puck movement. Laviolette expressed gratitude for the depth and talent among the team's defensemen, but emphasized the desire to have Fox back as soon as possible.

Defensively, the Rangers have been a challenging team to play against. Leading up to the Devils game, they had outscored their opponents 16-11 in regulation in the past four games. Additionally, they had limited the opposition to one goal or less in seven games this season, showcasing their strong defensive performance.

As the Rangers prepare for their upcoming games against the Stars and Penguins, they will have an optional practice on Sunday before traveling to Dallas. The team remains optimistic about their injured players' recoveries and the continued success of their defensive unit.