Chris Kreider Draws High Marks From Rangers' Tortorella After Debut
NEW YORK (WFAN) -- The Rangers -- and their fans -- got a good look at the future Monday night.
Former first-round pick Chris Kreider finally had his first taste of NHL hockey in Game 3 of the Rangers' opening-round series against the Ottawa Senators. Coach John Tortorella was pleased with Kreider's effort in the 1-0 win, a tough spot for a rookie in the playoff pressure-cooker.
"That's a (heck) of a spot we're putting the kid in," Tortorella said. "He certainly shows he can skate in the league, we know that. ... There are some things he needs to work on, but he's in a (heck) of a spot, so I'm really happy with the way he played."
Kreider won his second NCAA championship with Boston College earlier this month before signing with New York. The 20-year-old registered one shot on goal and one hit in 11:11 on the ice.
"I don't think I thought coming into this that I would've been in the situation I was in tonight," Kreider said. "But it was a great opportunity and I'm really thankful for it."
Kreider was told he'd get to skate after forward Carl Hagelin was dealt a controversial three-game suspension by the league. The rookie admitted it was a challenge, and that he may have worn himself out a bit amid the excitement.
"I think I've got to pick my spots a little bit better than I did," he said.
New York leads the best-of-seven series 2-1.
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