Why Rangers coach not surprised rookie Noah Laba on ‘rollercoaster ride’
Noah Laba hasn’t been quite as effective nor noticeable recently for the New York Rangers. That’s neither a surprise nor a concern for Rangers coach Mike Sullivan.
After averaging roughly 13 minutes TOI over the first four games centering the third line, Laba’s ice time has been cut back considerably. The 22-year-old rookie hasn’t logged more than 10:50 TOI in the past four games, and his line’s often been bypassed for shifts in favor of the Sam Carrick line with Matt Rempe and Adam Edstrom on the wings.
Sullivan doesn’t view that as a demotion. It’s more-so a part of the process adjusting to the NHL for the youngster.
“I think it’s been a little bit of a rollercoaster ride,” Sullivan said following the morning skate Thursday ahead of a home game against the San Jose Sharks. “I think he’s had moments when he’s played extremely well. He’s had other moments when it’s been a little overwhelming for him.
“It’s not anything we didn’t anticipate as a young player trying to make the jump. I feel like that’s a crowded bus with players trying to make the jump into the League.”
Despite having only 11 games of pro experience with Hartford of the American Hockey League at the end of last season, Laba landed a spot on New York’s opening-night roster after standing out in training camp and the preseason. He led the Rangers with six points in six games, played a committed 200-foot game, and won the Lars-Erik Sjoberg Award as the top rookie in Rangers training camp.
Laba didn’t look out of place at all, playing 13:40 in his NHL debut, and then contributed two assists in his third game, a 6-1 win against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Though far from terrible, his overall play slipped since.
“I think as a young player, early in the season, the first couple games, a lot of times those guys they’re playing on adrenaline and then the reality of the NHL sets in — the grind of the schedule, the daily endeavor,” Sullivan explained. “That’s when it gets hard.”
‘We really like his game,’ Rangers coach gushes about Noah Laba
The Rangers and their coach do realize, though, that Laba is a special kid. He’s mature beyond his years, a future leader and tone-setter for the organization. He’s also big (6-foot-3, 213 pounds), fast, coachable, and smart.
“We really like his game,” Sullivan said. “He brings a speed element. He plays with confidence, which we really think is an important element of playing in this league. And he also has aptitude, he’s learning every day. The experience he’s getting, we think is invaluable.”
He’s also tough. That side of Laba was on full view Monday against the Minnesota Wild, when he blocked a shot and the puck hit him in the face during a second-period penalty kill. He gushed more than a little blood and required assistance leaving the ice for repairs. But Laba returned shortly after, wearing a bubble shield and ready to be called upon.
You better believe his teammates and coaches took notice, even if Laba played only a few more shifts the rest of the night.
A new day and a new challenge presents itself Thursday for Laba, when the Rangers host the Sharks. It’ll continue into next week on a four-game road trip out west. Expect some ups and downs. But enjoy the ride, as well. You get the feeling there’s reason to remain confident this kid’s going to make it in the NHL.
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