Mike Sullivan Doesn't Hold Back While Addressing Noah Laba's Development With The Rangers Thus Far
Photo credit: Charles LeClaire
Head Coach Mike Sullivan isn't afraid of criticizing his own players, especially if they earned it. For Noah Laba, a rookie, he has found a way into the opening night lineup and has held on since. Sullivan gave us his thoughts on Laba's performance.
Center Noah Laba has played 13 games for the New York Rangers this season.
As he finds himself in a top-nine role, he's managed to score 4 points (2-2), a +3, with 11:36 time on ice.
The former 111th overall pick has emerged as a bright spot for a team that needs all the help it can get, which Laba has been more than happy to do.
The top prospect has been a revelation for the Rangers and has earned a compliment from his Head Coach, Mike Sullivan:
Note how glowing the review of Laba's performance sounds for someone who's still green in the NHL. It sounds as if he's won favor with Sullivan. And given his latest spot in the lineup during practice today (2nd-line center), he's fast-tracking himself to success.
Noah Laba's Fast Track to Success With the New York Rangers
Laba has found himself as a key piece of the Rangers' lineup as Vinnie Trocheck remains out due to injury. He's still acclimating to the game, but according to Sullivan's glowing review, the mistakes are far and few between, and he's been positionally sound.
The trust is there:
«One of the things that allowed us to do it is the traction that we've seen with Laba, is overall game on both sides of the puck,» Sullivan said of Laba's impact on his decision to change the lines.
«I think he's improving and developing and growing right in front of our eyes with every game he plays. His learning curve has been steep. He has real good aptitude for the game. If we didn't have a comfort level there, we probably wouldn't do it.»
«I think he's improving and developing and growing right in front of our eyes with every game he plays. His learning curve has been steep. He has real good aptitude for the game. If we didn't have a comfort level there, we probably wouldn't do it.»
Now the only question is if Laba can last a full season in the NHL once Trocheck returns to the lineup.
Previously on NY Rangers Insider
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