Chris Kreider says his NHL debut was harder than he thought it would be. As a two-time NCAA champ at Boston College, Kreider knows something about pressure and competing at a very high level. It does not get any more pressure-packed than the NHL level, something he has alluded to in the aftermath of his Game 3 debut at Ottawa. Kreider signed an entry-level deal last week.

Chris Kreider finished Monday's 1-0 win over Ottawa with 11:11 of ice time during his NHL debut in Game 3 of New York's quarterfinal playoff series. He sat on the bench for the final 9:47 of regulation, with the Rangers defending a 1-0 lead. Kreider, who just signed a pro contract last week out of college, had one shot on goal in the contest, while playing alongside top players Brad Richards and Marian Gaborik.

New York Rangers forward Chris Kreider will make his NHL debut Monday night in Game 3 of the first-round series with the Ottawa Senators. The Boston College star was signed days after winning the NCAA title, and he's only been practicing with the team since April 11. With Carl Hagelin suspended three games, though, coach John Tortorella didn't really have too many optimal alternatives for who to plug into the lineup. That didn't prevent him from playing games pre-game, though, sending both onto the ice for warmups, including Scott in the original lineup and switching minutes before puck drop. The 20-year-old had 23 goals and 45 points this season with Boston College and possesses an NHL-ready body at 6-foot-3, 225 pounds. He's playing on the top line with Marian Gaborik and Brad Richards to begin the game.