Before the action gets underway on Saturday, let’s look at the arc of both teams to get to the big dance
But this won’t just be about big hits. It’s going to be about who can get to the tough areas of the ice and stay there. Cassidy already mentioned as much in discussion of their system and being able to box out top players like Tkachuk.
"Now, our system is layered," Cassidy said. "We're not a man-to-man . So that will help us. We like to have our 'D' close to the net for the most part, so I think that will be a positive to defend him. So that'll be the initial part of it.” Who can fight through traffic? Who can grind through layers of defending? Who can win the battles along the walls? Ultimately, successful playoff teams fight through traffic. They don’t go around it because the checking is too tight. You have to go through it. Whether you’re watching what Tkachuk or Eichel has done these playoffs, what you’re seeing is guys getting the puck and taking it to the net constantly.
His ability to hold the puck out wide and protect while also simultaneously making a play is incredible. He is a master at protecting the puck, to the point where you would think he’s much bigger than his 6-foot-2 frame. In the finals, though, he will likely be going up against the slightly bigger Barkov, who is having a monster playoffs of his own.
Tkachuk is rightfully receiving a ton of headlines, but part of the reason he thrives is because Barkov does a lot of heavy lifting for this team. His most common opponents so far have been
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