Rangers' Hayes scores 1st NHL goal, compared to Joe Thornton
New York Rangers rookie forward Kevin Hayes finds himself centering a line between Rick Nash and Chris Kreider these days.
But it was an impressive individual effort that helped the 22-year-old score his first NHL goal Sunday against the San Jose Sharks, using his size and skill to get the best of defenseman Brent Burns and goalie Alex Stalock.
Teammate Derick Brassard put Hayes in good company after the game, despite seeing the rookie play in only four regular-season games with the Rangers.
“It’s kind of a big comparison, but he kind of plays like Joe Thornton,” Brassard said, according to Sean Hartnett of CBS New York. “Same size, he plays the same way - long reach, really tall guy, strong on the puck, sees the ice well.”
For his part, Hayes is hoping his first NHL point is a sign of things to come.
“Hopefully, it’s a springboard into more goals,” Hayes said. “Confidence just comes with games. Every game you play, you get more and more confident. You start to realize you’re doing things well and belong here.”
Hayes saw only 13:13 of ice time during Sunday's game, a number set to increase as he gains the trust of head coach Alain Vigneault.