As Vigneault did in May during his post-playoff briefing, the coach on Saturday referred to Chris Kreider’s imposing third period of Game 6 against the Senators when asked about No. 20 ascending to another level.
“He was a beast,” Vigneault said of Kreider, who scored 53 seconds into the third to narrow Ottawa’s margin to 3-2 in what ultimately became a 4-2 elimination defeat. “As a coach, I’m striving to get that from him on a consistent basis.
“Not that he hasn’t played well, he’s become one of our top-end scorers and best players, but it’s my job as a coach to get that product and performance out of him on a consistent basis.
“Like I said [on Thursday], he’s not a kid anymore,” the coach said of the 26-year-old power winger who recorded a team-leading, career-best 28 goals and personal-best 53 points. “It’s his turn now. He’s got to become a real good voice in the room.
“We expect more from him and I know we’re going to get it.”
If honest self-evaluation is the mark of a mature professional, then 23-year-old Brady Skjei has already joined the club.
Because when the sophomore defenseman — who made a notable splash around the NHL in making the All-Rookie club a year ago — was asked what specifically he would need to improve in order to take the proverbial next step, Skjei was bang on in his response.
“I need to get better defensively. I want to be trusted at both ends of the rink,” said Skjei, who unaccountably sat late in Games 2 and 5 of the Ottawa series while the Blueshirts unsuccessfully sought to protect one-goal, third-period leads. “I’ve got to be physically stronger in front of the net and make the right plays when they’re there.”
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Net-front play was a particular issue not only for No. 76, but for the team as a group. Skjei, who formed an especially effective union with right-sider Brendan Smith, worked hard over the summer with fellow Minnesotan Ryan McDonagh to prepare for the season. Coach Alain Vigneault raved about Skjei’s conditioning.
“I mean, Mac’s testing scores were over the roof and you could tell the influence and impact of Brady working out with him,” Vigneault said. “In my time here, Brady’s testing has improved, improved and improved and now he’s right near the Mac level as far as fitness scoring.
“That says a lot about him and I think that’s going to materialize on the ice as far as making better and quicker decision-making with the puck and without the puck. He’s doing everything he can right now to become the best player he can be and we need that.
“We need that from our group if we’re going to be a better team.”
Skjei, an outstanding skater with innate offensive instincts who became increasingly comfortable and effective joining the rush as the year evolved, recorded 39 points (5-34) to finish second among NHL rookie blue-liners to Columbus’ celebrated Zach Werenski (11-36-47). Indeed, he finished tied for fourth among all defensemen with 27 even-strength assists and eighth with 32 even-strength points.
“If you play a solid, all-around game, the points will come,” Skjei said. “You can’t cheat on the offensive side of the puck. You’ve got to play strong defensively and make the right plays when they come.”
Skjei more than once on Saturday said, “I’m not taking anything for granted.”
“Everything I get this year, I’ll have to earn,” he said. “I’m coming in with the mindset that I have to earn a spot.
“I worked hard over the summer on the things I thought I needed to improve on. I think I’m ready to take that next step.”