May 19, 2015

Michael Clifford

2015-05-19

Lightning hammer Rangers, Tyler Johnson stays hot, Kevin Hayes, and looking ahead to Anaheim-Chicago Game 2.

****

It was a drubbing that wasn't really one until the third period. The Lightning were up 3-2 through 40 minutes, but managed to make it 4-2 early in the third period, and then the nail in the coffin was delivered just a few minutes later. The game was of course highlighted by Tyler Johnson, who scored Tampa's first three goals en route to a 6-2 win. Incidentally, Johnson was crashing the net for his goals (and helped by Martin St. Louis on one of them). That's a dimension that's important to stay a consistent goal scorer, and despite his size, he's not afraid of the dirty areas.

That was the theme of the night for the Lightning. They were getting in front of Henrik Lundqvist, getting to the net, and making him move. Doing all of that consistently is a heck of a lot easier said (or typed) than done, and Tampa Bay did well at that in Game 2.

This game also marks the first non-one goal game for the Rangers of the playoffs. That's almost unfathomable here now in the third round.

****

Dan Boyle had a point shot that started a sequence leading to a Chris Kreider power play goal last night, and something as simple as getting a point shot through has been a challenge for the Rangers at times over the last couple of seasons, at least on the power play. Keith Yandle was obviously brought in for this reason, but it's important to remember that Boyle was also brought in last offseason to be that power play difference-maker on the blue line. The team can generate shots better on the power play with Boyle than with any non-Yandle defensemen (according to Hockey Analysis), and this team needs power play help. If results like that Kreider goal is the start of a trend for the Rangers, and not a blip, that's good news for their team and their fans.

****

It’s sometimes easy to forget that Derick Brassard was a bit of an afterthought when he was still in Columbus. For a sixth overall pick, he never had that big breakout year, and that was a big reason he eventually made his way to the Rangers. He’s now had 105 points over his last two 82-game seasons with New York, and has nine points in 14 games so far these playoffs.

This is a very nice career rebound for a guy that was part of the Marian Gaborik trade. He’s also had a very nice playoffs for the Rangers, and he and Stepan make a underrated 1-2 punch at centre in the East.

****

Going back to the start of the lockout-shortened season, the Anaheim Ducks have a total of 27 regular season regulation losses in 106 games played. That's exceptional. They took Game 1 from the Chicago Blackhawks and are looking to take a 2-0 series lead tonight. Anaheim is 6-0 so far these playoffs at home, and what's even more impressive is the team hasn't allowed more than two goals against in any game. They certainly have the offence to come back in games if necessary, but haven't had to blow the doors off to be successful at home yet this postseason.

****

Anaheim coach Bruce Boudreau looked like he was trying to get the Ryan Kesler line out against the Jonathan Toews line as often as possible. If Ryan Getzlaf's line can get regular ice time against the Blackhawks and while avoiding the Toews line for the most part, that's a big advantage for that Anaheim trio. In a limited sample, Toews and company has been able to suppress the shot rates for Anaheim when he's matched against Getzlaf, so getting away from that matchup seems to be important. Getzlaf and Perry didn't score in Game 1, but if they can stay away from Toews, Marian Hossa, and Brandon Saad, that should mean good things coming soon for the Ducks.

Of course, then it becomes a matter if the Toews line can produce in their matchups. This will be something to follow as the series wears on.

****

After an average regular season by overall save percentage, Frederik Andersen has a .930 save percentage so far these playoffs. He is an interesting case for 2015 fantasy drafts. There's still John Gibson lurking in the background, Andersen wasn't exceptional this year, and the playoffs aren't done yet. Is he drafted among the top-15 goalies in fantasy next season? It seems there are maybe eight to ten goalies who are talented, have a good team, and a secure hold on the starter's job; is Andersen one of them? If not, where does he fall after that lot?

****