C-Mac understands that Adam Fox is clearly dealing with some kind of injury after taking maintenance days earlier in the playoffs, but since he’s still on the ice, he doesn’t want to hear that as an excuse for the former Norris Trophy winner being drastically outplayed.
“He’s so slow. it’s a huge blow,” C-Mac said. “But he played 22 minutes in this game. If he’s out there, he’s out there. He played nearly 23 minutes.
“Zibanejad and Panarin are the only two on the team that played more minutes. If he’s gonna play 23 minutes, I can’t claim ‘he’s so injured.’ If you’re gonna play 23 minutes, you gotta do more when you’re out there.”
Playing through injury in the playoffs is admirable, but C-Mac says it also means the door is open to criticize Fox’s play. If he is out there more than nearly any other player on the Rangers, then he needs to give more, regardless of what he’s playing through.
“He’s been so slow. My God…he’s been terrible,” C-Mac said. “I feel for him. He’s dealing with something.”