Adam Fox’s shoulder injury quickly highlighted his importance to the Rangers’ power play, with his absence leaving a noticeable gap. Prior to his departure on November 29 during a game against the Lightning, the Rangers were just beginning to find their rhythm in the power play after a shaky start to the season. Fox’s injury kept him sidelined for a month.

Since Fox’s return to the lineup, the Rangers have shown marked improvement. In just two games, they have scored three goals in four power-play opportunities. Fox himself netted a goal on Wednesday, setting the stage for Mika Zibanejad and Artemi Panarin to score in the Winter Classic two days later.

As of Sunday, the Rangers stood at 12th in the NHL for power-play percentage, boasting a 21.2% success rate. This is a significant leap from their early-season struggles, where they ranked among the league’s lowest.

In a tightly contested Eastern Conference, where every game can impact the playoff race, the Rangers are keenly aware of the need to capitalize on their power-play chances. Fox’s return, though recent, has already proven beneficial, and his presence will be vital in their push for a postseason spot.

“Special teams significantly influence outcomes,” said head coach Mike Sullivan during a practice session on Sunday, ahead of their home game against the Mammoth. “Fox is an exceptional power-play defenseman. His vision on the ice, his composure, and his ability to maintain possession and manipulate the blue line create opportunities not only for himself but for others as well.”

“And I think that’s what makes him unique. That’s why he’s such a difficult player to replace up there when we don’t have him, so I don’t think there’s any doubt that the power play can be a difference-making aspect of our overall team game. The most recent games are evidence of that.”

When Fox missed time, the Rangers experimented with a five-forward setup and watched as that turned into a disaster. They tested Scott Morrow with the first line, too. And while they’re still without an injured J.T. Miller, even just the presence of Fox — who has collected 28 points in 29 games this season and was just snubbed from the United States Winter Olympics roster — has sparked a power-play group that collectively went 6-for-39 across the 14 games without him.

He stepped into a one-timer from just inside the point late in the second period of Wednesday’s loss, ripping a shot past Capitals goaltender Charlie Lindgren. Then, the goals from the Blueshirts forwards followed in Miami. Sullivan said the unit hasn’t “seemed to miss a beat.”

And with the Rangers struggling to produce goals at times, especially while at the Garden, a resurgent power play could help ignite their offensive production.

“When he got hurt, it forced a lot of decisions and putting different players in different spots,” Sullivan said, “and I think it shows you the impact that Foxy has on our power play, his ability to settle things down.”

Noah Laba, week to week with an upper-body injury, skated on his own for the Rangers. Miller, out since Dec. 20 with an upper-body injury, practiced in a red noncontact jersey for the second consecutive session.

The next Rangers win will mark the 500th of Sullivan’s career.