Brett Berard was about to place a three-game level streak on the road in AHL Hartford when he received a name from Rangers assistant common supervisor Ryan Martin on Sunday.
As a substitute of lacing up with the Wolf Pack, Berard was advised he’d be headed to New York to make his NHL debut with the Blueshirts on Monday evening in opposition to the Blues at Madison Sq. Backyard.
The recall couldn’t have come at a greater time for Berard, who was the Wolf Pack’s main scorer with 13 factors (seven targets, six assists) in 16 video games thus far this season.
“I think the biggest thing for me is to just stay confident,” mentioned Berard, who registered his first NHL level (a secondary help) to associate with two photographs on purpose, one hit and one takeaway in 11:13 of ice time within the Rangers’ 5-2 loss. “I believe [my confidence] is excessive. I believe down in Hartford, I used to be making an attempt to stand up right here, so simply making an attempt to carry what I’ve discovered down there thus far this yr up right here and simply play my recreation.
“It’s the same game I’ve been playing since I was three years old. Just a bigger stage in New York City, it’s the best place to play. I’m super excited and just try to play my best.”
The 22-year-old rookie lined up on the fitting wing of Mika Zibanejad and Will Cuylle to comprise what’s going to doubtless function the Rangers second line.
He additionally took reps on the second power-play unit alongside Cuylle, Reilly Smith, Kaapo Kakko and Zac Jones.
Berard expressed feeling prepared for the chance, citing how good he felt about his coaching camp. The truth that he was one of many final cuts within the preseason, he mentioned, was a sign he might be near getting the decision.
Hailing from Rhode Island, Berard mentioned he’d have a bunch of household within the stands Monday evening.
“Sometimes you only get one shot to prove yourself,” mentioned Berard, the 134th-overall choose in 2020. “I have that shot tonight, so hopefully I can go out there and do what I do.”
Alexis Lafreniere changed an injured Chris Kreider on the Rangers first power-play unit.
Igor Shesterkin received the beginning nod on Monday in opposition to the Blues, stopping 38 of the 42 photographs he confronted.
