Andrew Cristall is not a prototypical hockey player. <\/p>\n
The Washington Capitals<\/a>\u2018 2023 second-round pick is small, both in height and weight. He doesn\u2019t have the blazing speed of a more diminutive forward. Yet for everything he\u2019s not, he makes up for it with everything he is: an intelligent playmaker who has elite vision, thinking the game better than almost anyone at his age.<\/p>\n Recently, after representing the Capitals at the NHLPA Rookie Showcase along with Cole Hutson<\/a>, Cristall was asked by ESPN\u2019s Emily Kaplan<\/a>, \u201cIf someone is watching you for the first time this season, what do you hope they say after the game?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2018Wow, I didn\u2019t realize how good he is,’\u201d Cristall responded. \u201cI\u2019m a pretty smart player where I can make reads and end plays. I\u2019m not a brute force out there. So if they could be like, \u2018Oh wow, this Cristall kid\u2019s pretty slippery, and he makes plays,\u2019 that\u2019s something that I\u2019d like to hear.\u201d <\/p>\n Cristall had a sensational rookie season in the AHL last year, posting 60 points (20g, 40a) in 72 games with the Hershey Bears. Together with Ilya Protas<\/a>, he accomplished a staggering feat: the two prospects became the first rookies in franchise history (88 seasons) to finish first and second on the team in points at season\u2019s end.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Cristall further evolved his game in the playoffs, leading the team in points \u2014 he had 7 (2g, 5a) in 6 games \u2014 and showing that he could still produce with less space and more physicality. His play suggested that it\u2019s only a matter of time before he makes his NHL debut.<\/p>\n Thinking back to one of my favorite goals from @TheHersheyBears<\/a> season. Andrew Cristall had a great rookie year, but #Caps<\/a> fans should be even more encouraged by his playoffs. Went 2-5-7 in 6, scored this beauty to knock out Bridgeport, and added a noticeable edge to his game. pic.twitter.com\/Jr5lMbz7iW<\/a><\/p>\n