Barry Trotz on Shane Gersich’s debut: ‘If he’s got better than that then I’m really excited, for sure’
Whenever a rookie first steps onto the NHL stage, the result is always a wildcard. Wednesday, during Shane Gersich’s NHL debut, the talented forward was arguably the Capitals best player.
According to Natural Stat Trick, Gersich, in eight minutes and fifty-two seconds of five-on-five ice time, had a 68.2 shot-attempts percentage (15 shots for, 7 against), finishing second only to John Carlson (73.1 percent). The University of North Dakota alum also led the team in scoring chance percentage (80 percent), seeing eight chances and two against while he was out on the ice.
The undersized forward was fast and skilled as advertised, but he was a real difference maker while forechecking and backchecking. Gersich’s tenacity forced turnovers and wore down opposing players in the defensive zone. He finished the evening with three shots on goal, second only to Alex Ovechkin and John Carlson (5).
Read More
