EDMONTON, Alberta — In his two NHL seasons, Braden Schneider has only seen preparing for a playoff push with significant trade deadline additions.
Since being promoted from AHL Hartford in mid-January of last season, the 21-year-old defenseman has been a staple on the Rangers’ bottom pair. Friday’s game against the Oilers was the 98th game of his NHL career. Since he made his NHL debut, the Rangers have gone 61-28-11, not adding their 10-10 playoff record from the previous season.
Schneider told The Post prior to the Rangers’ 5-4 come-from-behind shootout victory over the Oilers on Friday at Rogers Place, “it’s crazy to think about how much success I’ve been a part of so far.” “I feel incredibly blessed. It’s a lot of fun to learn and grow from men who have been there before, and it’s a lot easier to come to the rink when you know you have a team like ours. It’s very enjoyable.”
Players frequently discuss how simple it is to take these seasons for granted. Every season, teams are unable to strengthen their lineup before the trade deadline in preparation for what they hope would be a lengthy playoff run. Schneider has had a great deal of early success in his career, but the second-year defenseman has learned from those around him to enjoy it while it lasts.
“When you’re on the team, you never realize how good it is,” he remarked. “It’s simple to see that we have a truly exceptional crew here both years, and that we can accomplish big things. I believe we all believe this, and it’s a lot of pleasure to participate.”
In each of the previous two seasons, Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury has recruited a different defense partner for Schneider. Last season, it was Flyers forward Justin Braun. This season, the Blues’ Niko Mikkola is the best goalie. Schneider has been able to quickly adapt to both, but he does not believe Drury is customizing his moves to locate him defensive mates.
Mikkola, who played in his fourth game with the Rangers on Friday, believes that age is but a number and that Schneider plays much older than his true age. Mikkola remarked that he has observed Schneider to play a straightforward game and to always aim to make a smart initial ball to the forwards.
The early numbers associated with Mikkola and Schneider have been solid. According to Natural Stat Trick, the two defensemen have been on the field for three Rangers goals and only two against in 43:22 of ice time.
Mikkola is a superb player, according to Schneider. “He skates, he’s huge, he’s strong, he skates exceptionally well, and he can shoot the puck. You can tell he plays the game well and with intensity. I have enjoyed playing with him thus far.”
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