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Mike Sullivan reveals he's committed to controversial change as the Rangers adjust without Adam Fox

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Hunter Bowman
December 4, 2025 (9:01)

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The New York Rangers are sticking with their bold five-forward power-play setup, and head coach Mike Sullivan made it clear on Wednesday that he sees real upside.

The adjustment became necessary after Adam Fox suffered an upper-body injury during Saturday night's game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Fox was moved to LTIR shortly after, removing the team's most gifted puck distributor from the top PP unit.

Rather than elevate a defenseman, Sullivan doubled down on skill by rolling Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, J.T. Miller, Vincent Trocheck and Will Cuylle together.

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Their first full game without Fox came Tuesday night in Dallas, and the results were mixed. The Rangers went 0-for-5 on the man advantage, including a four-minute opportunity in the third period. Still, Sullivan pushed back on the idea that the group struggled. He said they «got better as the game went on» and generated «a number of really good looks,» especially during that extended chance.

"I thought they got better as the game went on... They had a number of really good looks on that four-minute power play in the third period. ... We put (Panarin) in a spot that he's not accustomed to playing. As talented as he is, it's going to be a little bit of a learning curve there. I think he's going to be a fast study because of his intellect and his talent. I just think they need more repetitions out there together, and they'll feel their way through it."

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Mike Sullivan believes the New York Rangers five-forward unit will evolve

Mike Sullivan is confident that the Rangers' five-forward power-play will click eventually. Hopefully, he's right as they will face the Senators Thursday night.

Along with this, the Rangers themselves have all stepped up to help fill the void left by Fox, so I think it's safe to say Sullivan just might be right. However, if they don't play at their best game they could be in serious trouble as they will face some stronger opponents throughout the upcoming days.

Previously on NY Hockey Insider

TSN host reveals untold story of John Tortorella that highlights his controversial career in the NHL

NHL Insider reveals Rangers forward required stitches following gruesome play against the Dallas Stars

Vladislav Gavrikov sets the tone as the New York Rangers look to keep momentum ahead of their next game

POLL
DECEMBRE 4 \| 75 ANSWERS Mike Sullivan reveals he's committed to controversial change as the Rangers adjust without Adam Fox Do you think the New York Rangers' five-forward power play will click while Adam Fox is out?
Yes	39	52 %
No	23	30.7 %
Needs time	13	17.3 %
Never will	0	0 %
List of polls

Mike Sullivan reveals he's committed to controversial change as the Rangers adjust without Adam Fox

The New York Rangers are sticking with their bold five-forward power-play setup, and head coach Mike Sullivan made it clear on Wednesday that he sees real upside.

Mike Sullivan believes the New York Rangers five-forward unit will evolve

Do you think the New York Rangers' five-forward power play will click while Adam Fox is out?