Quick notes on the unsung heroes of the playoffs this year.
SJ-DET
Mike (Griere), affectionately dubbed by my good friend, and hockey guru “Sean Feld”, has been lights out this post-season. I’d go as far to say that aside from Joe Thornton, he’s been San Jose’s best forward. I know he only has three points, but if you’ve watched the Sharks lock down a lead, you know as well as I do that 'Griere' has been the man they’ve turned to. He might even be the most underrated player in the NHL. His lightening speed allows for him to be extremely aggressive on the forcheck. He hits like a beast, and has a knack for keeping the puck 200 feet from his own net.
Dan Cleary has been the unsung hero for Detroit all year. The post-season has been no different. Cleary brings it every shift, and is a solid two-way player. In nine games he has 5 points, he’s + 3, and has 31 shots on net. Franzen certainly deserves some recognition after burying Calgary, but Cleary truly has been the ‘X’ factor for the Wings.
ANA-VAN
Travis Moen scored a massive goal last night. With Penner, Getzlaf, and Perry more prominently in the spotlight, and Sam Pahlsson getting some serious kudos from around the league, Moen has clearly been the unsung hero for Anaheim. Moen has scored 3 goals and 2 assists, and plays between 13 and 16 minutes per game against the other teams’ best players.
The Mighty Trev! Trevor Linden, a guy who was Vancouver’s greatest offensive threat for years, has become their unsung hero. Seven points to lead Vancouver in scoring, where did this come from? Series winning goal, big assists…maybe he should consider rededicating himself, and coming back for one more year. He has been the unsung hero of the playoffs.
BUF-NYR
Before the playoffs started, I speculated that Al Kotalik would end up on the sidelines by the end of round 1. He has been excellent though. It doesn’t necessarily reflect in the numbers, but he has scored a couple of big goals, and has been impressive on both sides of the rink. After finishing as one of the only players in the minus this season (worst +/- on the team -5) he’s +1 in the playoffs. He ain’t sitting, Afinogenov is…Kotalik has been unsung!
Who is Ryan Callahan? He’s that kid from Rochester who happens to be playing some good hockey. He came into the playoffs with just 14 NHL games under his belt, and has managed to be an impact player. He’s a smart player who has a nose for the net, and he takes care of his own zone, which is why he’s managed to stay with the big club. Avery has been better than expected, but Callahan has been New York’s unsung hero so far with 2 goals, 1 assist, and a +1 rating.
OTT-JERSEY
Yes Anton Volchenkov is nasty physical, and he blocks a lot of shots, but I don’t think anyone envisioned Mike Comrie playing as well as he has. Not to take away from Chris Kelly or even Dean McAmmond, Comrie has been physical, and clutch. He’s definitely playing injured after a major crash into the boards during game 3. He’s put up two goals and two assists, but he’s playing with heart. He will be dangerous as Ottawa moves on, so keep an eye on him. He’s the Sens’ unsung hero of the playoffs.
ZZZZZZZZajac. Another Travis to add to the list. Looking through the Devils roster, you’d think I would’ve picked Brylin, Pandolfo or Madden. But all three of these players have combined for a disasterous -20, accumulating only 3 points pour les Diables. Travis Zajac has 5 points and a +5 rating. Yes, Parise has been fantastic, but people knew he was capable, and expected him to be. Zajac is physically imposing, and plays very well in the defensive zone. He has been an essential part of the Devils success, as we approach the midpoint of these playoffs.
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
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