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Vegas Golden Knights: Three keys to beating the Blueshirts

By Andrew Steele-Davis

LAS VEGAS, NV - JANUARY 08: Nick Holden #22 of the Vegas Golden Knights battles Brady Skjei #76 of the New York Rangers for the puck during the second period at T-Mobile Arena on January 8, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/NHLI via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JANUARY 08: Nick Holden #22 of the Vegas Golden Knights battles Brady Skjei #76 of the New York Rangers for the puck during the second period at T-Mobile Arena on January 8, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – NOVEMBER 30: Jacob Trouba #8 of the New York Rangers stops Taylor Hall #9 of the New Jersey Devils in the second period at Prudential Center on November 30, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – NOVEMBER 30: Jacob Trouba #8 of the New York Rangers stops Taylor Hall #9 of the New Jersey Devils in the second period at Prudential Center on November 30, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

2. Beware of the blueline

Want to know something interesting about the New York Rangers?

They boast a very dynamic blueline.

We’re only in December yet the Blueshirts have had 74 points (23 goals, 50 assists) come from their defense, which is just incredible.

Tony DeAngelo – a player we’ve pinpointed as a perfect trade target for the Knights – leads the way with 19 points (seven goals, 12 assists) while rookie Adam Fox has five goals and nine assists for 14 points, including two game-winners in his last three games.

Jacob Trouba, who was just one of New York’s big off-season additions, has contributed 13 points (three goals, 10 assists) and they have a blueline unit that can do it all.

And the Rangers defense doesn’t just hammer shots from the point, players like Fox and DeAngelo are elite when it comes to jumping up in the play and joining the rush, especially on the power play.

So, while the Golden Knights are going to have to pay close attention to the likes of Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad tonight, they are also going to need to try and limit the defense in the offensive zone.

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