As the Rangers Preseason is coming fast, a lot of people will see that the rookies are what can make or break a team. A new rookie comes into the locker room, looking to make it to the NHL, and have a shot at making his dreams become a reality. That is not the case for many. However, some rookies make the cut and have their chance at NHL stardom.
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First of all, lets think of a rookie. (I’m going to use Carl Hagelin for this example.) Now, Carl Hagelin broke into the NHL, and from game one, I think he was a fan favorite amongst the Garden Faithful. In the 2012 NHL season, where the Rangers went all the way to the Eastern Confrence Final against the New Jersey Devils, Hagelin was one of our best rookies, better yet, he may have been one of our better players.
In 64 games played with the Blueshirts, the Swede’s numbers were as follows: 14 goals, 24 assists for 38 points, as well as a plus minus of 21. Pretty good for a first year guy, espically with the pressure of playing in New York.
Pens Labyrinth
Now, looking at Hagelin’s play, it shows that he has taken the reins as a new guy, and preformed very well with all the pressure of being a rookie. In 2012, his speed and offensive vision made him deadly.
Hagelin could get the puck to someone open at the point, or down low. As well, his speed was the difference in a game sometimes. If the puck was chipped out into the nuteral zone, and the other team’s player missed it, Hagelin was right there, and we’d be ready to start the offense again.
Pens Labyrinth
Carl Hagelin has now become a core guy, and I’d say his dreams have come true! As a kid, many young hockey players have one goal, and that is to play in the NHL. Do a lot of them get there? Some do, some don’t. Do some get to play? Again, some do and some don’t, but the ones who do get their chance have to run with it. They do something wrong, and then you could be playing down in the AHL with the Farm team.
Being a rookie means you’re the new guy. But, you get mutual respect as the older players give their team mates. You’re starting your future, they aren’t going to make you look bad (on purpose). It’s on you, if you can play that’s great. But if you can’t keep up with the fast pace of the NHL, you might be keeping the bench warm.
Hagelin, Chris Kreider, Ryan McDonagh, and Derek Stepan, to name a few, are some rookies that the Rangers have had over the past few years. What has all of them done? Changed their game completly. They have worked hard in games, become known around the league, and one of those players may get the honor of being named captain of the Rangers. Read here for more details on that.
Being a rookie in the NHL can be hard for players, but they can do it. That is what they have been doing their whole lives. Late nights on the pond, early mornings in the ice rink, non-stop hockey practice and games, all of it. They know they are capable of big things, and they are ready to hone their skills.