Nick Ritchie, including the Round Robin, has played just nine games for Boston. That’s exactly half of what Drew Stafford, who I’m sure many completely forgot about, had played for Boston.
My point? Well, the guy hasn’t even hit double-digit games played for his team yet, following a four-month shutdown, in the middle of a global pandemic. Seems way too many people here have made up their minds about a guy who literally hasn’t even had time to settle it.
Anyways, I thought Ritchie was literally fine in both games against Tampa and Washington. He absolutely needs to score on that botched play yesterday, but otherwise? He was fine. His speed is definitely a concern, as his is inconsistent play, though.
Against Tampa, I thought Ritchie genuinely looked pretty good. As I mentioned, the speed was definitely a noticeable hinderance, but once he got going down-low, I thought he was a tough out. I liked that he engaged with, and challenged, multiple Tampa players after multiple whistle. Obviously they didn’t want to go with him, especially Anthony Cirelli.
I really don’t know where he fits, but I just don’t know why there’s so much hatred towards a guy who hasn’t even had double-digit games to fit in or not. Hate to generalize, but it’s quite clear by this point that the ones who adored Heinen just hate Ritchie because he was swapped out for him. It’s also clear that the Heinen haters and proponents of size and toughness love this guy simply because he’s not him.
This place is really hard to consistently read and engage sometimes because of all the emotional, personal vendettas against trades, players and other posters on the board.
Anyways, maybe just give the guy a chance? If he doesn’t work out, he doesn’t work out. Maybe he’s best suited on the fourth-line and makes an impact there, who knows yet? Either way, there were things to like and dislike about him in the RR, so let’s just see how it plays out and whether or not he seizes this opportunity.