NHL teams
Joe McDonald, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Pastrnak, Ekblad playing beyond their years

NHL, Florida Panthers, Boston Bruins

They are two of the youngest players in the NHL, but Boston Bruins forward David Pastrnak and Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad have already developed into dynamic players.

Both were first-round selections in the 2014 draft. They play different positions, they grew up playing different styles on different continents, and they've already had an impact with their respective organizations during their rookie seasons. There's no denying their skills, but what stands out the most with both players is their confidence.

Maybe it starts with their love for the game. Men by nature but still teenagers at heart, both Pastrnak and Ekblad play the game the right way and have quickly earned the respect of teammates, opponents and the fans. They go head-to-head Thursday night, when the Bruins visit the Panthers for a 7:30 ET game.

Pastrnak, 18, is the youngest player in the NHL this season. Despite two stints with the Providence Bruins of the AHL, he's been an integral part of Boston's continued fight for a playoff spot since his second recall, on Jan. 6. He's given the Bruins a much-needed spark and has helped veteran Milan Lucic rediscover his game, too. Pastrnak has 10 goals and 17 assists for 27 points in 44 games. Boston's first-round pick (25th overall) in the 2014, Pastrnak has the potential to be a special player for the Bruins.

"He's an extremely talented kid; I don't think anyone can't see that," said Bruins forward Brad Marchand. "But the one thing I like is his confidence on and off the ice. He's comfortable fitting in with the group, and that's one thing we were kind of lacking early on from the young guys -- they really didn't feel comfortable here.

"Pasta's come in and he's bonded with everyone, and everyone enjoys having him around. He's always laughing and smiling. He's got great charisma. He's great for the room, and it's something we really needed. Obviously, you can't speak highly enough about his talent on the ice. He's going to be a phenomenal player in this league for a long time. Great draft choice."

From across the sheet, Pastrnak has also earned Ekblad's respect.

"He's been one of the better players on Boston, from what I've seen," Ekblad said. "Obviously, me and him are the only 18-, 19-year-old guys in the league, and he's playing really well. It's honestly great to see. It's growing the game and it's good a young guy, like myself, is doing well."

Ekblad, 19, the first pick overall in June, has had a major impact on the Panthers. When the 2013-14 season ended, Florida finished as the second-worst team in the NHL, with 66 points. This season, thanks to a solid group of young players and a strong veteran presence, the Panthers were fighting for a playoff spot into the final weeks of the season.

With a 6-foot-4, 216-pound frame, Ekblad has no reason to not be confident on the ice. He recently admitted during a conversation with ESPN.com that his confidence has not wavered too much during his rookie season. Sure, there have been stretches of difficult games, but he understands how good he could be in this league, and how important it is to keep that mindset through an arduous season.

It also didn't hurt that Ekblad provided an assist in his first NHL game, a 3-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Oct. 9. It was an indication that he could compete and be successful at this level. Through 79 games, he has 12 goals and 25 assists for 37 points, with a plus-11.

As the season has progressed, Ekblad now feels more comfortable holding on to the puck and making plays. Earlier, he would get the puck on his stick and just throw it up the wall.

"I was nervous to hold on to it," he said. "But I feel confident that I can do those kinds of things now and play more of a possession game rather than giving it away all the time."

On more than one occasion this season, Pastrnak has come face-to-face with Ekblad on the ice.

"He's a big defenseman with great skill for his size," Pastrnak said. "He's a good skater, too."

When the regular season ends, Pastrnak should finish with 46 games during his rookie campaign. He's never played this much hockey, especially at the world's highest level. He hasn't shown consistent signs of wearing or slowing down.

"It's the first season I've played so many games and I really don't feel tired," he said. "I'm trying to get good rest every day, eat good food and keep my head positive, and that's what has helped me."

If the Bruins earn a playoff berth, the stakes are completely different and the level of play increases, which is something Pastrnak has not experienced yet. Since Boston has had to fight for a playoff spot all season, it has helped him prepare for the postseason because the Bruins are already fighting for their lives.

"We've already had playoff-style games, so it's good to get that kind of experience and trying to learn how to be a smarter player," Pastrnak said. "At the end of the day, it will help me in the playoffs."

Ekblad, along with the Calgary Flames' Johnny Gaudreau, Nashville Predators' Filip Forsberg and Ottawa Senators' Mark Stone, will be considered for the Calder Trophy as the league's top rookie. They have all played the entire season with their respective teams, while Pastrnak played 24 games in the AHL.

Even though Gaudreau and Forsberg are considered front-runners for the Calder, Ekblad said he isn't focused on individual awards.

"Team focus, for sure, but it's obviously still in the back of my mind," he said. "I want to play well, so I have the opportunity to win that honor, but in the end ... it's not a big help for that."

On paper, Ekblad and Pastrnak won't be considered rookies much longer. On the ice and in the locker room, both are well beyond their teenage years. It shouldn't be long before both are considered among the best in the league, not just their draft class.

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