New York Rangers projected lineups vs the Hurricanes puts star defenseman Adam Fox in the spotlight

Monday night in Raleigh is another Metro test, and the Rangers need a cleaner start than their recent run of tight low low-scoring games. The matchup begins at 7 p.m., with Carolina sitting near the top of the division.

Up front, the look starts with Artemi Panarin riding with Mika Zibanejad and Alexis Lafrenière again. The second group has Will Cuylle stapled to Vincent Trocheck, with Gabe Perreault on the right side.

The bottom six has a very specific vibe, more forecheck and straight lines than finesse. Conor Sheary and Noah Laba are set with Taylor Raddysh, while Brennan Othmann lands with Jonny Brodzinski and Matt Rempe.

The wrinkle is Sam Carrick, who was held out sick, which forces Brodzinski up and changes the fourth line feel.

On defense, Vladislav Gavrikov stays with Braden Schneider, and Carson Soucy skates with Will Borgen behind them. Then following by Matthew Robertson and Scott Morrow, pencilled as the other duo. However, Adam Fox was seen taking reps with the Rangers during Sunday mornings practice and could very well return today:

Adam Fox has now had two practices with the New York Rangers at full capacity, but I still want proof he can take contact and not think twice. That matters more against Carolina's pressure than in any practice skate.

However, i still don't believe Fox will be playing against the Hurricanes tonight, as the Rangers and head coach Mike Sullivan would rather be patient rather than rush him back.

The Rangers still sit at 2.55 goals per game, and their power play is at 18.4 percent, so the lineup question is really an offense question. When the puck stalls, everything else looks heavier.

Panarin remains the headliner, with 38 points on the season, and the Rangers need that production to travel. Igor Shesterkin also carries a 16 win workload, and his calm will matter if the shot count tilts.