St. Louis Blues rookie forward Ryan Reaves has been known as a tough guy throughout his professional hockey career, most of which with the AHL Peoria Riverman.
Goal scoring isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Reaves.
On his second go-around with the St. Louis Blues this season, you may want to change your thoughts as Reaves has netted two goals since his recall.
"I'm not known for my goal-scoring, but two in two games is pretty good, I guess," Reaves said. "It's a little easier to come up this time. The nerves are a little bit better now. I'm settling in a little bit, trying to get to know the guys."
Blues head coach Davis Payne has taken notice as well.
"Reaves has taken steps each year as a pro to get better and more valuable. He did a great job going to the net, a great job finishing off the play," Payne said.
The first NHL goal of Reaves career came in a blowout loss at Anaheim on Wednesday, hardly a memorable moment for the rookie since the team was doing so badly.
But the next night against the Los Angeles Kings, Reaves netted the go-ahead goal in the second period to help propel the Blues to victory.
The 23 year old forward with the huge 225 pound frame has been a tough guy and a fighter throughout his career. It turns out that Reaves is a big more than that, showing an ability to skate, play some defense, anticipate, and most importantly, finish in front of the net.
If Reaves can continue to play this well he gives the Blues an element that all NHL teams covet: a tough guy that is a scoring threat.
Reaves does not look to create a liability on the ice, but instead, gives the Blues fourth line a spark with a scoring touch.
Hopefully Reaves can keep the scoring streak going on Saturday as the Blues take on the San Jose Sharks in California.
Goal scoring isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Reaves.
On his second go-around with the St. Louis Blues this season, you may want to change your thoughts as Reaves has netted two goals since his recall.
"I'm not known for my goal-scoring, but two in two games is pretty good, I guess," Reaves said. "It's a little easier to come up this time. The nerves are a little bit better now. I'm settling in a little bit, trying to get to know the guys."
Blues head coach Davis Payne has taken notice as well.
"Reaves has taken steps each year as a pro to get better and more valuable. He did a great job going to the net, a great job finishing off the play," Payne said.
The first NHL goal of Reaves career came in a blowout loss at Anaheim on Wednesday, hardly a memorable moment for the rookie since the team was doing so badly.
But the next night against the Los Angeles Kings, Reaves netted the go-ahead goal in the second period to help propel the Blues to victory.
The 23 year old forward with the huge 225 pound frame has been a tough guy and a fighter throughout his career. It turns out that Reaves is a big more than that, showing an ability to skate, play some defense, anticipate, and most importantly, finish in front of the net.
If Reaves can continue to play this well he gives the Blues an element that all NHL teams covet: a tough guy that is a scoring threat.
Reaves does not look to create a liability on the ice, but instead, gives the Blues fourth line a spark with a scoring touch.
Hopefully Reaves can keep the scoring streak going on Saturday as the Blues take on the San Jose Sharks in California.
Comments
Post a Comment