"Calum Ritchie is no longer just the New York Islanders' future - no longer a player fans pencil in as a major contributor in future years, he is rapidly becoming one of the most important pieces of their present. With each game, the 20-year-old center continues to carve out a larger role, and Friday night in Tampa may have been his most defining moment yet."
"Ritchie described the moment with the calm of a veteran. "It was a fortunate bounce, and then I just tried to jam it," he said. The play developed quickly: Tony DeAngelo's shot deflected off Anders Lee, bounced off the end boards, and Ritchie improvised. With no angle to turn his body, he simply tucked the puck between his legs and in. Simple explanation. Elite execution."
Calum Ritchie has quickly moved from prospect to pivotal Islanders contributor, increasing his role with each outing. He scored a decisive between-the-legs power-play goal in Tampa that put the team ahead late in a 2-0 win. Ritchie described the goal as a fortunate bounce and improvised after a deflection and board ricochet. His late-game poise, ability to handle physical matchups, and power-play touch have accelerated since the Brock Nelson trade. He has helped produce statement wins against top teams and is becoming one of the engines driving the Islanders this season.
Read at Eyes On Isles
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