How Carolina Hurricanes 21-year-old rookie Jackson Blake is adjusting to life in the NHL

Jackson Blake has played 46 games in the NHL this season and was on the Carolina Hurricanes’ top line in his 46th, Friday against the Vegas Golden Knights.

The rookie forward, playing with Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov, also scored again, his 10th of the season, in the Canes’ 3-2 win at the Lenovo Center.

Consider that Blake, 21, was immersed in college hockey last January at North Dakota. The Fighting Hawks played 40 games in a season that stretched from October to late March.

The Canes have so many games crammed into January’s schedule that they seemingly have played every other day, and play Monday in Chicago against the Blackhawks.

“This is definitely a lot more than I’m used to,” Blake said before Friday’s game. “The most games I ever played was like 60 in juniors. It’s definitely a change.

“Last year in college, you play Friday-Saturday, with Sunday off, sometimes Monday off, too. Here, it’s so different. I like it, though. It’s fun.”

Blake grinned, adding, “Obviously I’m not going to complain about playing in this league. Whether that’s 80 games or 40 games, playing here is good. “

And Blake has been good. What he lacks in size – he’s listed at 5-11 and 178 pounds – he makes up for with his skill, shiftiness and a knack for making smart offensive plays.

Blake has spent much of his first year in the league on the Canes’ fourth line, often centered by Jack Drury.

“He’s a college guy, too, and we have similar paths,” Blake said. “He’s a guy I can go to for my questions.”

A move up to top line

But Canes coach Rod Brind’Amour, after the Canes’ lackluster effort in a loss to Buffalo, moved Blake on to Aho’s line opposite Svechnikov for the Vegas game. Winger Seth Jarvis was moved to Jordan Staal’s line and Jack Roslovic replaced Blake on the Drury line.

“Give him a chance to play with ‘Seabass’ (Aho) and Svech,” Brind’Amour said of Blake. “I thought he did really well.”

Blake’s goal came off a fortunate bounce. On a rush into the Vegas zone, Blake attempted a backhander, only to have Vegas defenseman Noah Hanifin reach out his stick near the crease and knock the puck into his own net.

“That’s one of those where you don’t ask why, right?” Blake said after the game. “I don’t mind those once in a while.”

Blake’s goal gave the Canes a 2-1 lead in the opening minute of the third period. The Golden Knights tied the score later in the third before Seth Jarvis’ second goal of the game decided Carolina’s 3-2 victory.

Blake’s 10 goals tied him for third among NHL rookies through Friday’s games. Of the 10, five have been game-winners for the Canes, tying him with Martin Necas for the team lead.

“He’s been unbelievable, finding the back of the net in a bunch of different ways,” Jarvis said.

Looking at his rookie season, asked to be his own worst critic, Blake said the first 10 to 12 games were about “learning” the league and what’s required of him in game. He has been tested, taken a few hard hits.

“It’s definitely a faster game than what I was used to, so I’ve been adjusting to that,” he said. “Now, perhaps my biggest goal is to provide more offense.

“I’m not too upset about the first 40 or so (games) and I’m not too happy. I’m right in the middle. There have been some good moments and bad moments, too. I just want to continue to grow.”

Blake has gotten almost 12 minutes in ice time per game, with a high of 17:57 in a November game at Utah, where he had a season-high seven shots. Seven of his goals have come in 5-on-5 play and he has converted 15.4% of his 65 shots at all strengths, using his quick release.

“I think I can provide offense for this team, a spark,” Blake said. “I’m super fortunate Rod and the coaching staff have given me this opportunity. Hopefully, there are a lot more down the road.”

Advice from his NHL dad

Blake, a fourth-round draft pick by Carolina in 2021, still hears from his father, former NHL forward Jason Blake, after most games. Good or bad, he gets his dad’s special critique of his play.

“He’ll always do that, always find something,” Blake said, smiling again. “I like it because it’s all out of love and it’s been good.”

Blake said he has paid close attention to his conditioning in an attempt to maintain his weight through the grind of the season. That also applies to his nutrition, although he said every now and then he may sneak in, say, Chick-fil-A as a little cheat food.

Away from the rink, Blake said he stays in touch with his old buddies by playing Fortnite.

“It’s good. It’s like hanging out with your friends from home,” he said.

After all, he is just 21 and only a year away from college.