Big Mac Makes Broadway Debut: Dylan McIlrath takes the ice at MSG tonight for NHL debut.
zimbio.com

When the Rangers take on the Blue Jackets later at Madison Square Garden, it will mark the NHL debut of Dylan McIlrath. Selected by the Rangers in the first round of the 2010 NHL Draft 10th overall, it’s been a long climb for the 21-year old defenseman. Listed at 6-5 215 pounds, McIlrath is a physical stay at home D who brings toughness to a struggling team lacking an identity.

After dislocating his left knee cap at the 2012 summer prospect camp, he’s worked his way back following surgery. In 24 games for Hartford this season, he has three goals and four assists with an AHL leading 115 penalty minutes. In an article from Daily News writer Pat Leonard earlier, Chris Kreider described him as “passionate” and someone who “sticks up for teammates.”

“Just pure excitement,” McIlrath said following a morning skate. “Just stepping on the Garden ice, I know it was just for a pregame skate, but I couldn’t help but look around. It’s the dream I’ve been waiting for since draft day and something special. I’m gonna soak it in.”

He felt he didn’t have a good camp but worked hard in his stint with the Wolf Pack impressing coach Ken Gernander, who recommended him to coach Alain Vigneault.

“He felt that the way Dylan had played defensively, penalty-killing, that he was the guy to call up. He had been improving since we sent him down, and if we wanted any of his defenseman, he was the one to call up. So (we) trust the coach and call him up.

“He definitely brings size and hopefully some physicality to our game,” Vigneault added. “He’s done that, whether it (has been) in junior or the American league, and hopefully he can do it at this level.”

Obviously, the Rangers can use McIlrath’s size and presence. They aren’t overly physical. The lack of toughness has been a sore spot since the departure of former enforcer Brandon Prust. The question when he finally plays tonight is how soon he’ll get challenged. One area we should be careful of is having too many expectations. This was a move out of necessity. It made sense with Marc Staal out with a concussion and the blueline struggling. It’ll be important for Vigneault to manage Big Mac’s minutes. Hopefully, the experience will be positive.