NHL: 5 Things We Learned from the Rangers’ Series Win Over Carolina

5. Is Adam Fox OK?

Adam Fox’s numbers look fine, but on the ice, the Rangers top defenseman looks like something is bothering him. Against Carolina, Fox was minus-three and did not record a point on offense. The Rangers will have some off days as they await the winner of the Panthers-Bruins series. That should help Fox heal up if there is a health issue.

2. Shesterkin Looked Human Until He Didn’t

Igor Shesterkin was lights out through the first seven games of the postseason, and the Rangers were 7-0. Then, he had a couple of “off” nights in Games 4 and 5 against Carolina. His save percentage dropped from .957 to .871 in Game 4 and .889 in Game 5. Shesterkin looked lost through the first two periods of game six, but he had some huge saves in the third period, along with some post luck, to help fuel a Ranger comeback for the ages.

3. Rangers Need to be Better at 5-on-5

Concerns surrounding the Rangers' 5-on-5 play reared their head in the second round, as Carolina outscored New York 13-12 during even-strength play. Going forward, this will still be something to watch as the road to the Cup gets more difficult.

4. Kreider Saves New York

The longest-tenured Ranger had a third period for the ages. Chris Kreider scored three goals in nine minutes for a natural hat trick that dug the Rangers out of a 3-1 hole. Kreider had four goals coming into the game. The Rangers hope this ignites a hot streak in the Eastern Conference Final.

5. Is Adam Fox OK?

Adam Fox’s numbers look fine, but on the ice, the Rangers top defenseman looks like something is bothering him. Against Carolina, Fox was minus-three and did not record a point on offense. The Rangers will have some off days as they await the winner of the Panthers-Bruins series. That should help Fox heal up if there is a health issue.