Drew Fortescue didn’t have his best showing in seven NHL games with the New York Rangers on Wednesday, during a 5-3 loss to the high-flying Buffalo Sabres.
And you know what? That’s OK.
The 20-year-old defenseman is here on Broadway, mere weeks after finishing his NCAA career at Boston College, and looks to have what it takes to be an NHL regular, likely sooner than later. His poise, demeanor, confidence, and ability to learn from both success and failure, stand out.
As for Wednesday, it was an up-and-down night for Fortescue. The Pearl River, New York, native allowed Zach Benson to gain inside position on Buffalo’s second goal in the first period, when Rasmus Dahlin’s pass caromed off the Sabres forward and into the Rangers net.
That goal-against was a lesson for Fortescue, nothing wrong with that. It also showed that the 6-foot-2, 195-pund defender must get stronger and bulk up some this offseason. Fortescue acknowledged as much several times already. Again, nothing wrong with a kid understanding why getting stronger as he builds towards his man’s body and physique is so important.
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He was also a step behind on Buffalo’s first goal, when Ryan McLeod scored off the rush on his side of the ice. So, Fortescue was minus-2 less than nine minutes into the game.
“I think it’s just the speed of the game and the plays that all these guys are making, every play is right on somebody’s tape,” Fortescue told LoHud. “And all the details everyone has, even in practice it’s a whole other level. So, I think just being out there and seeing that just makes you be better.”
Fortescue’s got fortitude, for sure — say that five times fast. And the goals didn’t get he best of him, not easy to do as a rookie trying to make a solid first impression. And his breakout pass to spring Alexis Lafreniere for the game-tying goal in the second period was an absolute beauty, and a terrific response indeed.
All told Wednesday, Fortescue played 15 shifts, each at even strength, and logged 13:34 TOI, his second fewest minutes through seven NHL games. It was just the second game that he was a minus player (minus-1), and he’s now been on ice for eight goals for and three against since turning pro, and also has two assists. Not bad.
Fortescue’s expected goal share 5v5 was an unsightly 33.55 percent against the Sabres, per Natural Stat Trick. And his overall xGF is 42.31 percent. Though how much of that defelated expected goals share is due to having Braden Schneider as his partner is worth examining. Just ask Vladislav Gavrikov about underlying numbers taking a hit when paired with Schneider.
The bottom line is that all of this experience — the good, the bad, the highs, the lows — are invaluable for Fortescue. He’s learning. Learning a lot actually. And that lines him up to be an intriguing option to make the opening-night roster next season — and for years to come.
“I believe in myself, but I’m just here trying to enjoy every minute that I am here.”
Rangers news and analysis
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Here are the key Rangers takeaways after they lost their home finale to the Sabres.
Before the game, Mike Sullivan didn’t much entertain the possibility of the Rangers emulating the Sabres’ extended rebuild.
The kids are playing great down the stretch, but let’s not forget that no two players are more important to the Rangers than Adam Fox and Igor Shesterkin.
The Rangers brought back Kevin Maxwell to be their director of pro scouting and to head up their player personnel department.
A well-deserved honor for Matthew Robertson, who’s the Rangers nominee for the Masterton Trophy, for his “perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.”
New York Post: The accused illicit actions of Dancing Larry at Rangers games is at the heart of a lawsuit filed against Madison Square Garden.
NHL news and rumors
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NHL.com: Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin says that he will decide his hockey playing future during the offseason and not make any decisions just yet on whether he’ll sign another contract to play in the NHL.
Seattle Times: There are now three GM/head of hockey operations jobs open in the NHL. After the Toronto Maple Leafs fired Brad Treliving and the New Jersey Devils canned Tom Fitzgerald, Ron Francis announced Wednesday that he’s stepping down from his role as team president with the Seattle Kraken.
Boston Hockey Now: The Bruins signed top prospect James Hagens to an entry-level contract, after the Boston College star played briefly in the American Hockey League on an ATO. He could make his NHL debut this weekend.
New Jersey Hockey Now: James Nichols breaks down why these five hockey executives must be interviewed by the Devils to fill their hockey ops vacancy, including former Stanley Cup winner Jamie Langenbrunner.
TSN: Goalie Linus Ullmark is the Ottawa Senators nominee for the Masterton Trophy; and in response to the nomination, he admitted that “I am broken, and I’m still not fully, completely healed” from his personal issues.
Sportsnet: The Maple Leafs not only lost a game — 4-0 to the Capitals — but they lost three players due to injury in the process. Goalie Anthony Stolarz and defenseman Brandon Carlo exited with lower-body injuries; and forward Dakota Joshua left early with an upper-body issue.
TSN: Connor McDavid had “one of his best” performances, leading the Edmonton Oilers to a much-needed 5-2 win over the San Jose Sharks. The superstar forward scored three goals and factored into all of Edmonton’s scoring with five points in a dominant tour-de-force performance.
Jim Cerny is Executive Editor at Forever Blueshirts and Managing Editor at Sportsnaut, with more than 30 years of … More about Jim Cerny
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