Hartnett: Rangers' Big-Game Brassard Has The Clutch Gene
By Sean Hartnett
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A rare breed of NHL stars have the ability to elevate their play in the most-pressured of moments. Since arriving in New York on the final day of the 2013 NHL trade deadline, Rangers center Derick Brassard has become a frequent supplier of game-winning heroics.
It's hard to define exactly what the "clutch gene" is, but Brassard definitely has it. Perhaps it can be best described as a mixture of composure, confidence and desire. Few players in the league can match the dedication that Brassard brings on a daily basis. That hunger isn't confined solely to practice rinks and NHL arenas. Brassard truly lives and breathes hockey.
"He loves the game," linemate Mats Zuccarello said during training camp. "I've never been around a guy who loves hockey as much as he does. Every day, he's looking at everything. He's always watching YouTube, clips, everything."
Cometh the hour, cometh the man. Thirty-two seconds into overtime, Brassard scored the game-winner to propel the Rangers to a 1-0 overtime victory over the hosting Chicago Blackhawks. This tightly contested meeting was reminiscent of the struggle that unfolds during the playoffs – where margins are slim and every goal is precious.
Dueling netminders Cam Talbot and Corey Crawford matched acrobatics for 60 minutes Sunday night at United Center. Two genuine Stanley Cup contenders in the Rangers and Blackhawks focused on defending in five-man units, shot-blocking and backchecking.
With teams skating four aside in overtime, Brassard protected the puck carefully while being backed into defensive zone before sliding it to Zuccarello at center ice. While noticing Brassard sneaking into the offensive zone, Zuccarello patiently held the puck, waiting for Brassard to reach the top of the left face-off circle. Brassard wound up and hammered the overtime winner past Crawford short side.
Since his first full season with the Rangers in 2013-14, Brassard has collected seven regular-season game-winning goals and three playoff game-winners. Teammates recognize the 27-year-old center as a go-to guy in crunch time.
"Ever since he's got here, he's played well in those big games," winger Carl Hagelin said. "You need players like that to go far in the playoffs."
Practice doesn't make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect. Twenty-two-year-old rookie forward Kevin Hayes is learning the ropes of the NHL. There are few role models better than the "all-business" Brassard.
"There's a reason why he's been in the NHL for a long time," Hayes said. "He's a great player, the kind of player every team wants to have. He's all business. He doesn't mess around. He gets to the rink, focuses on his game and what he needs to do to be successful. It shows every night."
Brassard is enjoying the finest statistical season of his career. He has notched a career-high 51 points (14 goals, 37 assists) through 62 games.
"Brass is an emotional player," Rangers head coach Alain Vigneault said in November. "When he competes for pucks, stops on pucks and protects it – he can make good plays."
When Vigneault looks down his bench, he knows that Brassard has a unique set of intangible qualities that allow him to produce the goods in pressured situations.
While some players get caught up in the emotions, Brassard wills himself into thriving.
TALBOT SHINES IN SHUTOUT PERFORMANCE
The Rangers are 11-2-3 since elite netminder Henrik Lundqvist was sidelined due to a blood vessel injury. Talbot, 27, saved 29 Chicago shots to earn his 14th win. Despite only appearing in 26 games, Talbot is tied for sixth-best in the NHL – matching King Henrik — with five shutouts on the season.
Talbot has been a steadying presence between the pipes throughout Lundqvist's injured spell. He has compiled a 14-6-4 record with a 2.33 goals-against average and a .921 save percentage this season. Over his past seven appearances, Talbot is 5-1-1 with a 1.69 GAA, a .943 save percentage, recording two shutouts.
Since making his debut during 2013-14 season, Talbot's 2.02 GAA leads all eligible goaltenders. The Rangers are certainly in good hands until Lundqvist is able to return to game action.
Lundqvist last played on Feb. 2. The Rangers are yet to announce a specific timetable for Lundqvist's return. The 33-year-old is continuing off-ice and on-ice conditioning that includes low shots. He has not been cleared for contact.
ISLES TEST UP NEXT
The Rangers will practice on Monday at 1 p.m. in Greenburgh. Currently, the 40-17-7 Rangers are one point behind the division-leading Islanders. The 42-21-4 Isles have played three more games than the Rangers and face the Toronto Maple Leafs at Air Canada Centre on Monday night.
Check back Tuesday morning for an in-depth Rangers-Isles preview ahead of their final regular season meeting at Nassau Coliseum.
Follow Sean on Twitter – @HartnettHockey.
