DENVER — Will Borgen has been a solid fit in the Rangers' defense since coming to New York in the Kaapo Kakko trade on Dec. 18.
The 28-year-old blueliner, who changed teams mid-season for the first time in his six-year NHL career, didn't have the luxury of training camp or preseason games to learn a new system, but that didn't hold him back at all. On the ice it didn't look like it was there.
“I think I've gotten used to everything, I've gotten used to the system, and now I don't have to think about it so much on the outside because it's ingrained in me what to do,” Bogen told the Post. He talked about how calm he was. Up to 11 games after practice on Monday. “It's going very well. The team is playing well, so it's easy for me.”
Borgen brings a strong presence to the Rangers' back end on both sides of the puck.
Not only did he put the puck on net, but the 6-foot-3, 204-pounder effectively disrupted the middle of the Blueshirts' defensive zone, which was free-for-all before his arrival.
According to Natural Stat Trick, in 128 minutes and 35 seconds of ice time so far, Borgen and K'Andre Miller have scored eight goals and six goals for the Rangers. They posted a scoring average of 57.14 and outscored their opponents 65-56 in chances.
Borgen has one goal and one assist for the Rangers, blocking 20 shots and giving up 19 hits.
“He was great,” Miller said. “He's a great guy outside the rink, hanging out with the players and playing cards. Obviously, he's a Minnesota kid, so [I] Through those connections, I was able to get to know him a little better. He was a great addition to our team. They do all the little things and it's hard to play against them in the D zone and they take shots in the O zone.
“He's just really tough to play against. He does a good job in the 200-foot game and is reliable. He's been great so far.”
Regarding Brett Berard's demotion to AHL Hartford, head coach Peter Laviolette said he thought the 22-year-old rookie's first NHL assignment went well.
“I think it's all a learning process and part of a young player's development,” he said. “As we talked about earlier, the uncertainty of how the roster moves from day to day in terms of injuries, sometimes there are openings, sometimes there are no openings.
“When it comes to young players, you always want to keep an eye on their development, continue to develop them, keep them in the mix as they continue to play and continue to develop. is back after a good and solid stint with us.”
The Rangers will play the Avalanche at Ball Arena on Tuesday night before making their first trip to Salt Lake City.
They are scheduled to practice at The Oval on Wednesday and face the Utah Hockey Club for the second time this season and their first appearance at the Delta Center.
