Wild winger Jordan Greenway has had quite a few new experiences during his rookie campaign, such as his first regular-season goal, first goal streak and first multipoint game.
But what isn't different for the 22-year-old is being part of a push to the playoffs, a journey that is much more meaningful now than it was a year ago.
"Just being a part of the team this year, the whole year, it's much more important to me," Greenway said. "… I've been here the whole year, being able to go through it with all the guys, the ups and downs. That's what makes the game so fun. It's been really good. Even though there's definitely been some ups and down, a roller coaster, it's been great, and it still is."
Greenway is approaching his one-year anniversary in the NHL. He signed with the Wild on March 26 after wrapping up his three-season college career at Boston University — a tenure that feels ages ago to Green-way, who still keeps tabs on the college hockey scene.
Although he acquitted himself well to the pro game, especially in a first-round matchup against the Winnipeg Jets in which Greenway chipped in a goal and assist, his confidence has surged this season and his development has been steady.
"There's obvious growth, and he's going to be a real good player," coach Bruce Boudreau said. "Sometimes it takes two years, three years, but he's going to be a power forward in this league for a lot of years to come."
Greenway's 11 goals are tied for fourth in team history for a rookie. He spent the weekend lower in the lineup, but he'd previously been skating on the No. 1 line — a nod to his progress that doesn't surprise his former Boston University coach.
"He's a guy that's got an awful lot of physical skill," said David Quinn, who's now the New York Rangers' bench boss. "He's maturing daily, and they got a heck of a player."