Lighting it up in the Big Apple

Chris Kreider celebrates his goal with teammate Mike Del Zotto

The transition from being a National Champion to a now NHL star seems to be going quite well for former Eagle Chris Kreider who had a goal and an assist tonight in the Rangers' win over Washington today. When you look at Chris' overall skill set, three things stick out to you immediately. Chris can skate better than almost anyone, he has an NHL shot, and he has great size, something that is crucial in the pros. When I reflect on the season he had here in Chestnut Hill, I think he really improved from day one to the final day of the season. I think the biggest thing he learned here at BC is he gained more "hockey sense". What I mean by that is that he learned to make the right play, the one that would best help the team instead of doing things that involve major risk. He started playing better in his own zone as the season went on but he still definitely needs to polish that up in order to keep up what he is doing for John Tortorella. When I think of Chris Kreider, I wouldn't say he is in the same category as  Gionta, Gerbe, Mottau, and Emma but he certainly is one of the best Eagles I have seen, when he is in the zone. Sometimes this year, he would tend to "zone out" for time to time during games but in the big ones like the Beanpot or the NCAA tournament, he always brings his A game. In reality, his game is better fit for the pros than it is for college hockey. He was a man among boys in the college game and he knew it, which is why he would zone out sometimes. Now in the pros however, he knows what he has to do. I am not saying Chris Kreider is not a hard worker, in fact, Chris was probably one of the hardest workers on this team. He is always the first guy on the ice and the last one off, every practice, every game. I think if Chris continues to give the effort he is giving in New York, he will ascend to great heights in his pro hockey career. Let's hope it continues and Chris is able to lead the Rangers to their first Cup since 1994 (When former Eagle Brian Leetch was in NY). Best of wishes to Chris as he continues what seems to be a promising pro career.

Until Next Time,

GO EAGLES