Rangers' Mike Sullivan Praises Rookie's Physical Play

The New York Rangers got contributions from all over the lineup in their latest victory, but one play in particular stood out to head coach Mike Sullivan. A physical sequence from rookie forward Noah Laba on the Rangers' second goal showcased exactly what the coaching staff has been looking for from the young player, and Sullivan made sure to highlight it after the game.

NY Post's Mollie Walker pointed out the play on social media, noting that it deserved more attention than it received during the broadcast. Sullivan agreed wholeheartedly when asked about it during his postgame press conference.

The Kind of Physicality That Matters

Sullivan didn't hold back when discussing what he saw from his rookie forward throughout the game. The physical element has always been part of the player's toolkit, but bringing it consistently is what separates good games from great ones.

"It was critical. I thought Labs was physical all night. He brings a speed element with his size and his strength," Sullivan said. The combination of skating ability and physicality is exactly what modern NHL coaches covet in their forwards, especially when it leads directly to scoring chances.

But Sullivan made it clear that the physicality isn't just a nice bonus. It's what makes the rookie truly effective at the NHL level.

"When he brings some physicality to his game, I think he's a lot more effective," Sullivan said. "I thought this was one of the more physical games that he's had in a while."