Hartnett: Rangers Rookie Hayes Is A Monster In The Making
By Sean Hartnett
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Just 50 games into his NHL career, rookie forward Kevin Hayes is giving Rangers fans reason to feel enthusiastic about his future.
With each passing game, the 22-year-old center is playing with increased poise and confidence. At 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, Hayes possesses a power forward's frame. He also has an incredible pair of hands and is beginning to thrive in the fast-paced NHL.
His poise sticks out as an attribute that separates Hayes from your average rookie. Prior to the Rangers departing for their four-game road trip that began Tuesday in Toronto, alternate captain Marc Staal raved about Hayes' ability and growth.
"He can stickhandle inside a phone booth," Staal said. "It's pretty impressive at this level to hang on to the puck and control it the way he does. Lately, he's started to figure out how to make plays quicker than what he's been used to. The pro level is a lot different. He's definitely improving every day."
Hayes has collected eight points (three goals, five assists) in his last seven games. His latest eye-opening performance came against the Colorado Avalanche at Pepsi Center.
On Thursday night, Hayes recorded a goal and two assists in the Rangers' 6-3 road victory. He became the first Rangers rookie to post a plus-four rating since linemate Carl Hagelin on March 13, 2012. It was the first multi-point game of Hayes' career. The standout play of the game was his highlight reel coast-to-coast goal early in the second period.
Hayes pursued the puck along the neutral zone boards near the Rangers' blue line and was able to win control from Avs defenseman Tyson Barrie. He then darted through the middle of the ice, faked a pass to Hagelin, weaved past Barrie, cut to the net and beat goaltender Semyon Varlamov.
In all, Hayes darted 170 feet on his superb solo effort. Earlier at 16:30 of the first period, Hayes slid a pass underneath the stick of Avs defenseman Jan Hejda to set up Dan Boyle's opening goal. He would later assist Hagelin's goal at 12:02 of the third period. Offensively, defensively, with the puck and without it – all areas of Hayes' game are trending upward.
The Rangers are reaping the benefits of a collective bargaining agreement loophole that allowed Hayes to escape from Chicago Blackhawks after he elected not to sign with Chicago within four years of being drafted. The former 2010 first-round pick became an unrestricted free agent on Aug. 16. Four days later, Hayes agreed to a two-year, entry-level contract with the Rangers.
Earlier this season, center Derick Brassard compared Hayes to a certain San Jose Sharks playmaker.
"It's kind of a big comparison, but he kind of plays like Joe Thornton," Brassard said. "Same size, he plays the same way — long reach, really tall guy, strong on the puck, sees the ice well."
The Blackhawks' loss has been a big gain for the Blueshirts. Through 50 games, Hayes has 24 points (nine goals, 15 assists) and is a plus-six. Among rookies, he's tied for seventh in points and eighth in assists.
Just imagine how good Hayes is going to be when he's 26 or 27. He's a monster in the making.
NASH TAKES OVER GOAL-SCORING LEAD
Having scored his 34th goal of season, Nash took over sole possession as the league's top goal-scorer. He's one goal ahead of Captitals star Alex Ovechkin and has played two less games than the Washington captain.
HARTNETT: NASH HAS THREE AWARDS IN HIS SIGHTS
Nash leads the NHL in goals, goals per game (0.64), games with a goal scored (27) and even strength goals (25). He is tied for sixth in points. Nash is playing at above a point-per-game pace with 54 points collected through 53 games. His plus-24 rating is tied for fifth in the NHL.
Each of the top three teams in the Metropolitan Division are currently on multi-game winning streaks. Despite losing Henrik Lundqvist for an extended period, the Rangers continued their hot play with Cam Talbot stepping into the spotlight. Having recorded 69 points through 53 games, the third-place Rangers are three points behind the second-place Pittsburgh Penguins and four points behind the division-leading Islanders. The Pens and the Isles have each played 55 games. Same goes for the 68-point Capitals. It's going to be an thrilling finish to regular season with teams jockeying for positions in the Metro.
Follow Sean on Twitter – @HartnettHockey.
