NY Islanders' rookie Cal Ritchie's offensive game is beginning to click into gear

There was plenty of praise for Cal Ritchie’s game when the NY Islanders acquired the player from the Colorado Avalanche for Brock Nelson at last year's trade deadline.

Some have compared him to Patrice Bergeron, and while the brakes need to be pumped on that comparison, Ritchie’s game is beginning to round out with each passing game.

Since joining the team for his first game in blue and orange on Halloween after impressing in his first three games in Bridgeport, the 20-year-old rookie is here to stay.

Cal Ritchie's offensive game is beginning to blossom

Ritchie has had an impact in the defensive zone since day one. In 11 games this year, he has been on the ice for just one goal against while playing mostly fourth-line minutes. The closest Islanders forward to that mark to play at least 11 games is Anthony Duclair, who has been on the ice for seven even-strength goals in 21 games.

But now Ritchie is beginning to find his offensive game. Point-less through his first nine games, the former Oshawa General has scored in each of his last two, adding an assist along the way. 

Despite not scoring through his first nine games, his confidence hasn’t faltered, showing off his skill with his silky hands, but is now reaping the benefits.

“The confidence grow,” Casey Cizikas said on what he’s seen from Ritchie over the last few games. “It wasn’t easy at the start. The last few games, we got a little more ice time, and he didn’t let that get to him. He stayed with his game. He stayed with what he knows. His hockey. You can see him flourish right now, and it’s fun to play alongside him and Shabby.”

Ritchie seems to have found a home on the Islanders fourth line, one that isn’t a prototypical fourth line. He continues to earn time on the second power play unit and will look to keep producing offensively.