Adam Cracknell has been forced to earn every single minute he’s gotten this season. Cracknell has gone, in 74 games, from AHL depth signing to fourth-line placeholder to sometimes penalty killer to surprise goal-scorer to hat-trick collector. This isn’t totally the NHL version of The Rookie, but it’s not without affect, either. In a season bereft of greatness, we were treated to some true goodness. I can’t imagine how a player like Cracknell processes this sort of thing, but I hope he went to bed smiling like a kid Friday night. He deserved it. Nights like these are gifts that kids can appreciate better than anyone.
Game 74 Afterwords: Adam Cracknell Is the Best, Tonight
