Photo Credit: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images
Going into December with defenseman Kevin Klein sidelined with a strained abdomen muscle, the Rangers needed rookie Dylan McIlrath to rise to the occasion. McIlrath has exceeded expectations and it is believed that he will continue to do so.
The rookie grabbed his first NHL goal on Dec.15 in the Rangers’ matchup with the Edmonton Oilers. He is the first defenseman to get a goal in his rookie year since captain Ryan McDonagh did it in 2010. McIlrath fired a rapid slap shot into the back of the net after receiving a pass from defensive counterpart, Keith Yandle; his shot was so quick it was hard to see it enter the goal on first glance.
Since the quick slap shot that won McIlrath his first goal, his teammates have no hesitation to pass him the puck each time he’s set up by the blue line. McIlrath brought a strong presence to the ice, standing at 6’5” and 220 pounds and lacking fear of dropping the gloves, he delivers strong hits and effectively keeps his opponents away from the net. The 23-year-old also is not one to sit back when he feels he should defend a teammate.
In the Rangers’ game against the Boston Bruins, McIlrath quickly jumped to defend teammate Derek Stepan after the Bruins’ Matt Beleskey checked Stepan into the boards, a hit that sidelined Stepan a few weeks with two broken ribs. McIlrath pummeled Beleskey and accepted the minor misconduct he received with no regret.
In 17 games, McIlrath has already grabbed a goal and an assist, giving him two points. This is comparable to the goal, eight assists, and nine points McDonagh grabbed in his rookie season in 2010-11. McIlrath, playing at the rate he is now, is in for an impressive first season. His stats put him on pace for three goals and three assists in a projected 63 games played.
Last season, in McIlrath’s last season in the organization’s AHL team, the Hartford Wolf Pack, he grabbed six goals and 11 assists in 73 total games played. The consistent play on the ice and Klein’s recent absence, has given McIlrath the chance to get some more playing time to improve his puck handling and his defensive on-ice presence. Already there has been an improvement in his puck handling and his offensive play has been continuing to improve. McIlrath’s style of play is reminiscent of a young McDonagh; he has a powerful on-ice presence, is strong in front of the net, delivers strong checks, and will soon reach new levels when it comes to his offensive play.
He’s become a fan-favorite, being praised for his tough play and his fearless attitude towards other players. The Winnipeg-native was drafted by the Rangers in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft and has been with the organization ever since. He has the ability to become a vital part of the Rangers and its’ defense.
Klein’s return is expected to happen within the next few games and fellow d-man Dan Girardi, who was sidelined due to a knee injury, is also expected to return shortly. Until then, McIlrath will play as the sixth defenseman, until both can return to the ice. The Rangers return from the Christmas holiday break tomorrow in Nashville for a matchup against the Preds.
