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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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?  

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