New York Rangers center Filip Chytil spoke about his level of comfort after playing his first game for the team this season.
When the New York Rangers broke camp this season, there were several unexpected developments. The most shocking decision by the team was sending center Filip Chytil to Hartford after he’d been with the team all of 2018-19 and seemed in line for top-six minutes.
Coming off an 11 goal 23 point season, Chytil went to the AHL and produced nine points in as many games. He earned a recall Monday afternoon and was in the lineup on Tuesday against the Tampa Bay Lightning, centering Chris Kreider and Pavel Buchnevich.
The early results were good for Chytil, as he scored a goal in 17:27 of ice time. After the game he spoke to reporters in a video posted to the team’s Twitter account.
“I feel more comfortable out there, and when you play with Kreids and Buchy, it’s a little easier.”
Fil on what’s working: pic.twitter.com/M7QeRzqf1e
— x – New York Rangers (@NYRangers) October 30, 2019
“I think trying to bring what the coaches are trying to help me with, and I think I feel more comfortable out there, and when you play with Kreids and Buchy it’s a little easier, so it was a good game today.”
Chytil looked like a man determined to show he belonged in the NHL, doing all of the little things that he needs to do. He was strong on the puck and willing to make the simple play when he had to.
With his speed and improving frame (he’s added strength and has room to add more) he’ll be an imposing player for years to come. He spoke more about the game.
He was asked if his goal, where he drove the net hard, was something he was working on in Hartford.
“Yeah exactly, I was trying to get to the net, try to shoot, try to create some space for my teammates and luckily it happened today. Buchy found me and I got it in, so it’s a good win for us and we have to keep going.”
Chytil had a strong game, and will ideally continue to see top-six minutes after the return of Mika Zibanejad, who is day-to-day. If he can slot in on the second line it will lengthen the Rangers and give them an extra weapon on the powerplay.
