Zac Jones is playing with the kind of confidence he’ll need to take advantage of his chance to grab a full-time role on the New York Rangers blue line. Coach Peter Laviolette is among those who’ve noticed.
“I think he’s played good minutes for us,” Laviolette said Friday . “He had a big night the other night (Tuesday), and I thought last night (Thursday) he was solid. I think when a player gets in there and they start to get confidence with how they’re moving the puck, how they’re defending, if they’re generating offense, I think that can add confidence and build you.”
Jones scored twice, had an assist and played 24:57 on Tuesday, when the Rangers used a six-goal third period to overcome the New York Islanders 6-4 . He didn’t hit the score sheet on Thursday in New York’s 5-2 win against the Boston Bruins at Madison Square Garden, but he did block two shots and was plus-1 while playing 19:43…