The New York Rangers' season will officially end after Apr. 15, as they were eliminated from playoff contention on Wednesday night. Despite putting 43 shots on goal, days after recording just 10 against the Ottawa Senators, the Rangers lost 4-3 to the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Rangers getting eliminated from playoff contention was a matter of when, not if.
Before the game, the Rangers called up forward prospect Adam Sykora to make his pro debut. Since the Rangers announced their intent to undergo a retool, it was only a matter of time until they called up some of their top prospects to give them playing time. For Sykora, he was given the chance to play on the third line, alongside team captain J.T. Miller.
Following the loss, Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan heaped praise on Sykora for his play in his very first pro game.
Mike Sullivan gives glowing review of Adam Sykora's NHL debut
"I thought he was great. I thought he played really well. His speed was evident. He made a couple of nice wall plays. Didn't panic with the puck. He made good decisions at the lines. Didn't force things that weren't there. I thought he made an impact. I thought he had a really good game," said Sullivan, h/t Mollie Walker of the New York Post.
Sykora didn't factor onto the stat sheet in terms of points. He did, however, have three shots on goal, blocked one shot, and recorded one turnover in 13:33 of ice time. But, he did have a -2 plus/minus rating. But from what Sullivan saw, he like what the rookie brings to the team.
That's what the Rangers need to see during this final stretch of the season. In the summer, there is expected to be some turnover, especially since they didn't move on from players that were floated on the trade block. The likes of center Vincent Trocheck, defenseman Braden Schneider, and, in the worst-case scenario, star Adam Fox. could all be traded at the deadline. If they are all to be moved, that opens up spots for players, potentially some of their top prospects like Sykora. So these final games give Sykora a chance to prove that he's worthy of a roster spot entering next season.
After the game, Sykora said that his pro debut will be a moment he'll never forget.
"It was nice. As soon as I stepped on the ice it was a little stressful, but I tried to enjoy the moment," said Sykora, h/t the Rangers' official X account. "It's the first time and last time so it was a pretty good feeling. I'm super thankful again for the opportunity."
Considering the praise he received from Sullivan, it will be interesting to see if Sykora does move up the lineup for their next game on Friday against the Chicago Blackhawks.