Rangers coach lauds ‘much-improved’ puck-moving’ on D in preseason loss

New York Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan praised the team's upgraded puck-moving defense following a 4-3 preseason loss to the New York Islanders. Despite blowing a three-goal lead at Madison Square Garden, Sullivan highlighted the strong play of new additions Sean Durzi and Marcus Pettersson on the blue line.

General manager Chris Drury acquired Durzi and Pettersson in separate trades on July 1 to address defensive mobility issues following a 30th-place overall finish in 2025-26. Sullivan indicated high confidence in keeping the pair together behind top defensemen Adam Fox and Vladislav Gavrikov.