Former NHL Defenseman Says Players "Love Playing Against Adam Fox In The Playoffs"

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

Adam Fox is facing heavy criticism after a disappointing performance at the Four Nations Face-Off, where Team USA fell to Canada in the championship game. 

Once considered one of the NHL’s premier defensemen, Fox struggled throughout the tournament, logging the fewest minutes of any American blueliner by the final game and failing to register a point. 

His play in the championship only fueled concerns, as he was on the ice for both the game-tying and game-winning goals in the overtime loss. With his expected goals percentage dipping below 50%, questions have surfaced about whether his game can hold up in high-pressure situations, especially with the playoffs approaching. 

Some have even suggested that the New York Rangers need to find a more reliable left-side partner to cover for his weaknesses.

Former NHL defenseman Jason Demers added to the scrutiny, revealing that Fox is not viewed as a difficult matchup when the stakes are highest. “A lot of guys around the league that I know, all told me they love playing against Adam Fox in the playoffs,” Demers said. 

The comment suggests that while Fox remains an elite offensive contributor, opponents believe they can take advantage of him defensively in big moments. 

His struggles in last year’s postseason and now at the Four Nations tournament have only strengthened the belief that he may not be as dominant when the intensity rises.

Despite the criticism, Fox remains a key piece of the Rangers' lineup, producing 47 points in 59 games with a +5 rating. 

He is also riding a six-game point streak as the team battles for playoff positioning. 

However, if his defensive issues persist in the postseason, the skepticism from his peers will only grow, and Team USA may need to reconsider his role for the 2026 Olympics.

Photo Credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images

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