Kreider, Thomas Working to Get Better
Starting the season with just one goal in 12 games would have some young players questioning themselves and possibly pouting. But for Chris Kreider, it has motivated him to work even harder as Blueshirts United explains...
"Kreider routinely is the last, or among the last, player to exit the ice following Whale practice each and every day, usually with undrafted rookie Kyle Jean staying another 30 minutes or so working right alongside him. But on Wednesday Kreider took it a step further by creating his own double-session, if you will."
On Wednesday, after his teammates left the rink at around 11am, Kreider returned to the ice at 1pm for his second workout of the day.
...definitely a disappointing start to the season for Kreider, but seeing his work ethic and dedication towards getting better has me just as confident that the kid is going to be a star in the NHL.
Speaking of Kreider, ESPN.com looks at his must-haves for hitting the road.
Another Rangers prospect looking to take his game to the next level is Christian Thomas, who after a slow start to his professional career, has looked more comfortable recently, which can be attributed to a role change on the power play (via CTWhale.com)...
The decision to give Thomas a chance on the power-play point seemed to come out of the blue, and when asked how it came about, he replied, “I’m not sure, to be honest. I went into practice and that was the setup. I think ‘Beuk’ (Assistant Coach Jeff Beukeboom) coached against Oshawa in Juniors, so he might have seen me on the point, but other than that, I’m just happy to be on the point and be on the power play.”
Thomas scored two power play goals his first night playing point for the Whale.
Thomas now has 4g, 3a in 12 games.
...as you guys know, I've given Thomas a tough time on the blog, but obviously I haven't been patient enough with the kid. It isn't easy to make the jump to the AHL, just look at Kreider, especially someone of his small stature.
...what I do know is that the kid can score. And if he can figure out how to do it at the next level there will be a guaranteed spot for him on the Ranger roster.
Here's Thomas on making the adjustment to the pro game...
“I feel pretty confident in my shot still at this level, but starting off, first couple games, it’s a lot of adjusting to do. But I feel like I’m getting kind of close now, and I feel, like I said, kind of confidence with my shot, and I’m trying to get some openings now that I can let it go.”
Both Kreider and Thomas were held pointless in the Whale's 2-1 loss to Portland last night.
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He's an unselfish player who makes his linemates that much better. I bet he'll have the best +/- on the team by the end of the season.
I'm wondering if kreider not being on the big stage has anything to do with his performance, or not having guys that can get him the puck? Haven't got to see any of his games on the whale
@TheNYRBlog lockout may be a blessing in disguise for Krieder. He could prob use some time in minors which he wouldn't have gotten otherwise
