Mike Sullivan Not Overly Concerned With Alberts Šmits' Growing Pains In NHL Debut

Throughout training camp and the preseason, Šmits was consistent and reliable, playing a steady game while not looking to be overwhelmed, which ultimately helped him earn a spot on the New York Rangers ' opening-night roster.

In the first period of Tuesday night's game against the Boston Bruins , the 18-year-old went through the typical rookie experience, with the game moving quickly and him being forced to adapt to the pace of NHL play on the fly.

At first, Šmits struggled specifically in his own zone, as he was critical of himself when speaking with the media after the game.