NHL Playoffs 2012: What to Take Away from Chris Kreider's NHL Debut

It's one thing to ask a rookie to step into an NHL game and perform even admirably. Converting from the college game to the pro game takes much time because players are much bigger and stronger and the overall speed of an NHL game is very fast.

Imagine playing your first NHL game smack in the middle of an intense, physical playoff series on the top line with two of the NHL's great players.

That was Chris Kreider's Monday night.

After some gamesmanship by Rangers coach John Tortorella withholding the final roster until the very last minute, rookie Chris Kreider made his NHL debut in Game 3 between the Rangers and Ottawa Senators, playing 11:11 of ice time on the top line.

Kreider sat for the third period (much like a player in baseball coming out for defensive purposes) to observe how the game unfolds and for the Rangers to preserve a 1-0 lead.

What did the 20-year-old winger take away from his first NHL game? Katie Strang of ESPN New York asked that very question after Game 3.

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"What it takes to win at this level, more than anything,” he said. “The way guys bought in, the way they’ve bought in all season. The way they blocked shots, the way they play in the [defensive zone], the way they get in lanes, get pucks out. It’s a winning brand of hockey and something I was able to see from the bench in the third."

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What impressed the most was Kreider's speed. In his first shift, while chasing down a puck in the offensive zone, Kreider was able to catch up and fight for the puck with just a few effortless strides. His speed has been compared to, and considered better than, fellow teammate Carl Hagelin—the NHL's fastest skater winner at the 2012 All-Star skills competition.

Towards the end of the second period, Kreider had a chance to pot his first NHL goal, but the puck slid off his stick and away from the Senators' goal mouth as time expired. It was the only scoring chance the rookie would have.

Aside from presumably having immense nerves, Kreider also played very carefully to not make a mistake. That mindset made him look tentative in the defensive zone. Kreider also didn't look willing to engage in puck battles or take a hit to make a play. As his confidence grows, so should his willingness to throw around his 6'3'', 225 lb frame more.

It was an impressive debut for Chris Kreider, who proved to be an adequate addition to the Rangers' top line. Once Carl Hagelin returns, it may not be until training camp in September that we see Chris Kreider again.