At the start of the playoffs Bryce Salvador had appeared in 50 postseason games throughout his career and recorded just four points.
Needless to say, offense is not a big part of his game. It never has been, and it probably never will be for an extended period of time. And that is what makes his production this postseason so unexpected, and even a little unbelievable..
He's been a point machine for the New Jersey Devils in the playoffs, and in the first period of Game 4 on Monday night against the New York Rangers he scored his third goal of the postseason.
And that's when you know things are going your way.
An innocent wrist shot like that from the point finds its way through all of that traffic, may have deflected off of an opponents skate (Anton Stralman), and somehow sneaks through Henrik Lundqvist's legs to give the Devils an early 1-0 lead.
Keep in mind, in 82 games during the regular season Salvador didn't score a single goal, and after missing all of last season due to a concussion hadn't score a goal since the 2010 season. He already has three this postseason.
From a Rangers perspective, that's also what tends to happen when your strategy every night is to collapse around the net and do nothing but defend, defend, defend.
The goal for Salvador already gives him nine points this postseason, more than any other defenseman on the team. Marek Zidlicky entered Monday's game second with seven points.
Also at Eye On Hockey
Watch as John Tortorella and Pete DeBoer scream at each other on the bench.
For more hockey news, rumors and analysis, follow @EyeOnHockey and @agretz on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Video: Bryce Salvador keeps producing points for the Devils in playoffs
Bryce Salvador didn't score a single goal in 82 games this season for the New Jersey Devils. He already has three this postseason, including this goal during the first period of Game 4 against the New York Rangers on Monday night
By
Adam Gretz
•
1 min read