Relentless Rangers rookie earning playing time in NHL, making most of opportunity
When the New York Rangers recalled Brett Berard from Hartford of the American Hockey League on Nov. 24, they did so to provide a spark to a stagnant lineup. The 22-year-old rookie has done just that through his first six NHL games.
His impact was immediate and has carried through, even after returning from a three-game absence due to an upper-body injury. Playing in the top six, Berard had an assist in his NHL debut against the St. Louis Blues just a day after the call-up. His first NHL goal followed in the next game, a 4-3 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on Thanksgiving Eve.
After sustaining an injury against the Montreal Canadiens in his fourth career game, Berard missed those aforementioned three games. Since returning, he’s dropped to the fourth line with Chris Kreider and Filip Chytil also back from injury, but has not missed a beat. Despite a decrease in ice time while playing on the fourth line with Sam Carrick and Adam Edsrom, Berard’s energetic play has made it difficult to take him out of the lineup.
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Brett Berard thriving in various roles with Rangers
The Rangers have had a brutal stretch since starting the season 12-4-1. In their past 11 games, the Rangers are 3-8-0, including a 2-1 home loss to the worst team in the League, the Chicago Blackhawks, in Berard’s lineup return Monday. They are tied for fifth in the Metropolitan Division, though they have games in hand on all the teams ahead of them.
But Berard has been a welcome addition to the lineup. His north-south style of play is a dynamic the team lacks, especially in its top six. His speedy transition game, relentless play and north-south style plays well in the bottom six as well.
“I think he’s done a really good job at making an impact in the game,” Rangers coach Peter Laviolette said Friday. “His speed. His tenacity. I think he helps make a line very effective.”
Jimmy Vesey has been scratched two games in a row since Berard came back into the lineup and the veteran may find it hard to get regular playing time if the rookie continues his strong play.
It is hard to justify removing Berard from the lineup when he has shifts like the one below. The Providence College product’s feet keep moving in this sequence, and his aggressive forecheck helps Carrick land a prime scoring opportunity.
The new-look fourth line already gels well. The forecheck is consistent when the unit is on the ice, and they are creating numerous scoring chances. All three players drive play well and never give up in puck pursuit.
Berard’s early success could earn him more minutes. If there is an injury to a Rangers forward, Berard is a prime candidate to step into the top nine. Laviolette could also look to put Berard on the power play, which he did when Kreider and Chytil were injured.
In 71 games last season with the Wolf Pack as a rookie pro, Berard led them with 25 goals and also had 23 assists. He has a scoring touch and could be a good piece on the second power-play unit.
Right now, the improved play of Reilly Smith, who has three goals in his past four games, keeps Berard on the fourth line. But it appears more likely that Berard will remain in the NHL mix — and a return to Hartford is not in the cards any time soon.
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