The New York Rangers were looking forward to hosting the New York Islanders at the World’s Most Famous Arena. They were also attempting to puck up their fourth straight win and sixth straight win at home.
Unfortunately, the Isles have played without seven players because of COVID-19 protocols, including Anders Lee and Josh Bailey and are missing top scorer Brock Nelson and top defenseman Ryan Pulock, who are out several weeks with lower body injuries.
Today, the NHL announced the game on Sunday has been postponed.
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Rangers and Islanders game postponed
“As a result of an additional New York Islanders Player entering COVID Protocol this morning, and up to eight Players potentially unavailable to play due to COVID Protocol, as well as the possibility of additional cases due to spread, the team’s games will be postponed at least through Tuesday, Nov. 30,” the NHL said in a statement. “The decision was made by the League in consultation with the NHLPA’s and Club’s medical groups.”
The New York Rangers also released a statement about the postponement and they will communicate directly with ticket holders when the game is rescheduled.
The Reaves Effect
Ryan Reaves has had a grand total of one fight for the New York Rangers this season. However, his mere presence has the Blueshirts feeling different about themselves.
Yesterday against Boston, Fox took exception of a trip by his childhood friend Charlie McAvoy on Kevin Rooney. The two buddies tussled a bit and were quickly separated. The game before, Alexis Lafrenière had his first “fight” when he went after the Isles J.G. Pageau.
This was not something we saw from those players last season. It has many thinking about “The Reaves Effect.”
“Having [Reaves] on the bench has everyone puff their chest out a little more,” Adam Fox said. “We feel a little safer. He keeps other team’s guys in check as well. They know they can’t take liberties because they’ll have to answer to him. Having a guy like him allows everyone else to play a little bigger for sure.”
It’s not just his ability to fight that is impacting the rest of his teammates.
“Obviously, he has the one fight but you see the way he plays,” Fox continued. “He throws some big hits, he can change the momentum in a second. Just his presence changes the attitude of the team.”
NHL Rumors
Matt Murray hits waives and latest on J.T. Miller trade talk. Read here.
