NHL Playoffs: 5 sleeper players to watch
player. 95. . C. New York Rangers. Derick Brassard. 2
The likes of Lundqvist, Derek Stepan and Rick Nash put up flashy numbers for the Rangers, and are getting most of the attention in New York heading into the postseason. However, Brassard has been just as productive this season, and will be a critical player if the Rangers are to go far in the playoffs.
One of the most underrated players in the league for years, Brassard overcame a slow start to have one of the best seasons of his strong career. After healing from offseason wrist surgery, Brassard scored a career-high 27 goals at 28 years old, making him one of the most prolific centers in the NHL. Many fans around the country might be surprised to learn that Brassard led the Rangers in goals, although Nash missed 20 games.
As good as Brassard has been in his regular season career, he’s been even steadier in the postseason. Brassard tallied at least 12 points in each of the past three postseasons for the Rangers, including 16 (with nine goals) in 19 games a year ago.
New York needs that sort of production from Brassard if they are going to get past the mighty Penguins in the first round. The second line of Brassard and Mats Zuccarello has been sneaky good at times, and would help take some pressure off of Nash and company with a big performance.
Don’t be surprised if Brassard leads the Rangers in points this playoffs, even if he doesn’t receive nearly as much credit as some other stars in New York.
Next: 1. Robby Fabbri, C, St. Louis Blues