Good news for the New York Rangers. And it’s not only about their 3-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues, but also about the right call from the coaching staff.
Head coach Mike Sullivan decided to recall Brett Berard from Hartford and got exactly what he needed. Berard, 23, showed himself on Monday as a winger who pushes the pace of the game, generates chances and offers confidence in pressure situations. He registered two shots on goal, a missed shot and a blocked attempt in 9:21 minutes.
Berard’s path wasn’t easy. Being a late cut from camp led to a shaky AHL start. His confidence wavered, and the points simply weren’t coming. But something clicked in recent weeks. Finding his groove, he started piling up goals and assists, ultimately forcing the organization’s hand with a well-earned call-up.
That momentum didn’t stop at Madison Square Garden. From his very first shift, it was clear why his skill set was a missing piece. Berard, alongside Conor Sheary, instantly formed a threatening line. He was a constant threat around the net, demanding possession when he attacked the slot. That energy that generates offensive pressure was something the Rangers have needed for some time.
Brett Berard has a profile the Rangers’ roster needed
Sullivan didn’t overcomplicate it. What Berard provides, he said, is a jolt of skating, energy and a needed edge of physicality to ignite the team. The proof was in the game itself.
New York started winning their shifts in the second and third, first jumping ahead on a Alexis Lafreniere tip-in and then seeing Adam Edstrom add a key insurance marker. The game’s toughest moment found Berard in the penalty box after catching an opponent high with his stick. Facing a relentless 6-on-4 attack from the Blues, the Rangers’ penalty kill faced a gut-check — and passed it. In close games, surviving that kind of momentum swing is as valuable as a goal.
Berard did not score or assist tonight, but considering only that would be making a superficial analysis. As a first sample of what he can do, he delivered. He demonstrated having the right profile to be an energy player who accelerates the forecheck, while remaining responsible in all three zones.
On a team dealing with injuries (J.T. Miller out, Vincent Trocheck a game-time decision) and in need of a spark, Sullivan chose a player who understands his job and executes it.
