Stu Bickel became the third different player to make his NHL debut with the Rangers already this season---joining Tim Erixon and Carl Hagelin---when he skated in Tuesday's 4-1 win over the Devils at the Prudential Center. He also equaled Hagelin's feat of notching his first career point in his debut, assisting on Hagelin's shorthanded goal at 14:42 of the third period. All in all, Bickel was impressive in his first NHL game, logging 11:40 worth of ice-time, earning the assist, and posting one shot on goal to go along with a +1 plus/minus rating. He also impressed by sticking up for Hagelin after the young forward absorbed a hiard hit from New Jersey's David Clarkson early in the second period, earning a two-minute roughing minor in the process. "I just don't think he's afraid to step in and make a difference," Rangers head coach John Tortorella said of Bickel. "He stood up for his teammate. I don't think he's timid. I think he wants to make a difference. And with his size and range in our end zone, he's going to get in the way somewhere in a good way." Bickel, who was pinned into his corner locker by the media mob surrounding Henrik Lundqvist's locker, nonetheless was wearing a big smile after the game. "I'll take the win over anything," said Bickel. "All the rest is just kind of background stuff. But it's nice to get the first point. I just tried not to let the Wow Factor set in too much out there. You can't step back and look at everything going on around you. You have to play your game, and I believe tonight I was able to do that." Share your thoughts below on Bickel's NHL debut Tuesday.
