Defenseman Carson Soucy had a strong preseason debut for the New York Rangers in their 5-4 loss to the New York Islanders on Thursday. For new coach Mike Sullivan, Soucy’s play might only bolster what appears to be his plan for the defense corps to open the new season.
With Vladislav Gavrikov, who’s expected to play the left side on the top pair, not dressing against the Isles, Soucy moved up to play with Adam Fox. The duo posted strong underlying metrics, with a 51.2 expected goal share and the Blueshirts outchancing their archrivals 10-4 with the two together at 5 on 5, per Natural Stat Trick.