Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Kreider Steps in for NYR
Edit: This article originally listed Tony Hrkac (North Dakota) as the last NCAA champion to then make his NHL debut in the playoffs the same year. It was actually John Byce (Wisconsin).
Chris Kreider is one of the most celebrated prospects in the New York Rangers’ system, but few could imagine the former Boston College star making his NHL debut the way he did.
Nine days after winning the national championship in Tampa, Kreider earned a sweater for the Rangers’ third game of their first-round Stanley Cup playoff series against Ottawa, and skated on the top line with Marian Gaborik and Brad Richards.
“There wasn’t a ton of pressure because they were so helpful in getting me acclimated,” Kreider told Dave Lozo of NHL.com. “My role is pretty clear. They didn’t expect me to make all-world plays. They wanted me to win puck battles and try to get those guys pucks. That was something I could focus on.
“It’s a great opportunity though. I mean, I don’t think I thought coming into this I wouldn’t have been in the situation I was tonight, but it was a great opportunity I was really thankful for it.”
Big Leap
The jump from the NCAA title to the Stanley Cup playoffs is rare, but not unprecedented. Wisconsin’s John Byce was the last to make his NHL debut in the playoffs after winning the national title in 1990. Three years before that, North Dakota’s Tony Hrkac won the national title and the Hobey Baker Award prior to suiting up in the playoffs. Brett Hull is another who accomplished the feat.
Others, like Rod Brind’Amour in 1989 and, more recently, Jeff Farkas in 2001 and Matt Carle in 2006, have jumped from NCAA competition into the Stanley Cup playoffs. But none of those won an NCAA title in the same year.
If the Rangers were to win the Stanley Cup, Kreider would become the first player to capture both trophies in the same year. But even with a 2-1 series lead, that’s a long way off.
Tortorella ‘Really Happy’
“It’s a hell of a spot we’re putting the kid in,” said head coach and former Maine player John Tortorella. “Toward the end when we had the lead, I felt I’d leave him alone and have him watch a little bit and gain his experience that way. He certainly showed he can skate in the League. There’s things he needs to work on, but he’s in a hell of a spot. I’m really happy with the way he played.”
Kreider got his opportunity due to a suspension to fellow rookie Carl Hagelin (Michigan). Whether he can stick in the lineup when Hagelin returns remains to be seen.
For now, No. 19 for the Eagles is wearing No. 20 on the Blueshirts, and became the 301st former college player to appear in an NHL game this year.