Letting the Stars Come Out

The problem being a first round pick in the NHL (or any sport) is that the microscope you are under is more focused, the expectations are higher and the criticism is harsher. It is even harder if you are New York Ranger or New York Islander prospect even if the reasons are vastly different.

On Friday night, it was first rounders for both teams that took center stage in leading their teams to some very badly needed wins. First Ranger prospect Chris Kreider (2009 1st) had a career high 3 points (1-2-3) as his 3rd ranked Boston College Eagles whipped on 3rd ranked (and bitter rival) Boston University 9-5.

It was the start of a mostly good night Ranger prospects that included the return of 2010 1st rounder Dylan McIlrath of the Moose Jaw Warriors. The Ranger report is found right here as Ranger prospects got to enjoy wins over Islander prospects too.

On the Islander side when your team is in a slump having gone winless in their last 4 games then you look at your star players to step up their game to help the team overcome adversity. Nino Niederreiter (2010 1st) scored 2 goals while earning the game's first star while leading his Portland Winterhawks to a 5-1 win over the Tri-City Americans.

"El Nino" earned the game's first star for his efforts as Portland got back on the winning track. It may be very rough to be an Islander fan at the moment but if they let their prospects develop then there is actual hope for a promising future.

The rest of the Islander report also has Casey Cizikas earning his 4th straight star and that is right here.

(Kreider: Dennis Pause, Nino Niederreiter: Portland Winterhawks)