Hartnett: Rangers' Brassard Thriving Under Pressure, Embracing Role As Mentor

By Sean Hartnett
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Call him "Big-Game Brass." Like clockwork, 27-year-old Rangers center Derick Brassard has emerged -- again -- as a go-to guy in the playoffs.

The Rangers have jumped out to a 3-1 series lead over the rival Pittsburgh Penguins, and Brassard's contributions have been key. He has scored a goal in three of four games, further cementing his status as a player who thrives in the most pressurized moments.

Since making his postseason debut in 2013, Brassard has led the Rangers with 27 playoff points and his 11 goals are tied for a team-high.

"It's pretty impressive," winger Rick Nash said. "He's a guy I've played with for a long time. He's got that energy to his game. As he gets older, his game matures. More than the points and the goals and stuff, his defensive game impresses me a lot, too."

Brassard's development into a dominant two-way center has allowed him to earn the complete trust of head coach Alain Vigneault. When matched up against all-world center Sidney Crosby, Brassard has excelled in all areas of the ice – while no. 87 has been frustrated for much of this series.

"He's very dependable when he doesn't have the puck," Vigneault said. "When he has the puck, he's making plays and he's willing to go to the tough areas to make those plays. He's one of our young players that is progressing and coming along."

It's the passion that separates Brassard from most players. As Vigneault and Nash mentioned, Brassard plays with an energetic style and is willing to go to the hard areas of the ice to help the Blueshirts light the lamp.

Having arrived in New York last March, 39-year-old winger Martin St. Louis was unfamiliar with Brassard's game. He's now a big fan of No. 16.

"I knew nothing about him besides that he was French," St. Louis joked. "Right away, you could see that he has a passion for the game. No doubt. Obviously, I got to know him playing here. You could see his game develop. He's taken on a bigger role. It's nice to see him taking a hold of that opportunity. You can see how much he likes competing and being on the ice."

HARTNETT: BRASSARD HAS 'THE CLUTCH GENE'

The Rangers will have a chance to finish off the series in front of a roaring home crowd at MSG on Friday night. Brassard has been a Penguins killer, recording 21 points (12 goals, nine assists) in the 21 games he's played against Pittsburgh coming to New York from Columbus in April 2013.

Brassard is enjoying the camaraderie that comes with playing for the tightly knit Rangers.

"This group is pretty special," Brassard said. "There's nothing better than winning games with a good group of guys. That starts with our leadership group. Playing on a good team is the main thing. The attitude of our leadership group reflects on our play. I'm really enjoying playing for this group of guys. It's a very easygoing group. I remember when I first came here. All the guys made me feel so welcome. We accept everyone right away and make them feel like they've been here for a long time."

BRASSARD SERVING AS MENTOR TO RANGERS' YOUNGSTERS

Now, Brassard is showing the ropes to the franchise's youngsters, including Kevin Hayes and J.T. Miller. His dedication to the game, knowledge and positive work habits have played a role in the development of a slew of up-and-coming Rangers.

"I want to take every young guy under my wing and make sure they're feeling comfortable," Brassard said. "Right now, I'm 27. I just try to work hard, enjoy my time on the ice, have fun in practices, and bring some passion. That's the only thing I can control."

Hayes has enjoyed the chance to go out to dinners and postgame meals with the veteran Brassard. He'll sit across the table and pick at Brassard's brain. The thriving 22-year-old center revealed that former Ranger Brian Boyle reached out to Brassard following Hayes' decision to sign with New York during the summer. Having formed a close relationship with Hayes during offseason workouts in Foxboro, M.A., Boyle instructed Brassard to show Hayes the ins and outs of being a pro during his rookie season.

"Brian Boyle reached out to him and told him to take me under his wing," Hayes said. "Brass has been unbelievable to me this year. It just shows the type of guy he is. I've been hanging with him since training camp. I pick his brain a little bit whenever we go out to dinner. I've gone out to dinner with him pretty much every other night here in the city.

"It's been a fun experience. He's an elite player. There's a reason why he signed the deal that he did. He's the kind of guy any team would want."

Miller has benefited from sitting between Brassard and St. Louis in the Rangers' dressing room. He couldn't ask for two more approachable, more knowledgeable mentors.

"They've both been great to me," Miller said. "Even in the training center I sit next to Brass. I try to pick his brain when I can. He's obviously a great, two-way centerman. He's very skilled and also really reliable. He's a good teammate. I just try to make sure I lean on him and take in what I can from a guy like that. There's a process that a lot of young players go through and it panned out for him. I'm just trying to stick with it and stay on the right path."

AV: KLEIN IS '50-50' FOR GAME 5

Kevin Klein, Keith Yandle and Mats Zuccarello all missed Thursday's practice due to what the team described as "maintenance days." Following practice, Vigneault said that both Zuccarello and Yandle will suit up for Game 5 against the Penguins.

Klein's situation is less clear. He was expected to participate in his first full practice with the team on Thursday since suffering a broken left arm against the Washington Capitals on March 11. Vigneault later explained that Klein missed the practice due to soreness.

Vigneault said that Klein is "50-50" to play in Game 5.

"Klein was a little sore from yesterday," Vigneault said. "We'll see how he reacts and responds (Friday). Both Zucc and Yandle are in."

The Rangers are holding a morning skate at 10:30 a.m. Friday, but the team said that only the extras will participate.

Follow Sean on Twitter – @HartnettHockey