Storm alumni play big roles in NHL Playoffs
The second round of the NHL playoffs get underway on Tuesday night and with seven of the Storm’s most notable former players remaining, there is little doubt that Storm alumni will play a pivotal role in the outcome of each series. During the past two Stanley Cup playoffs, three different Storm players have captured the Cup.
NHL Western Conference…
#1 Chicago Blackhawks vs. #7 Detroit Red Wings… one former Storm player
Featuring Storm alumni Todd Bertuzzi (#44 Detroit Red Wings). Bertuzzi returned from injury for Game Three of the Red Wings Best-of-Seven Conference Quarterfinal against the Anaheim Ducks. In five games, he was held off the scoresheet.
CLICK TO READ Detroit Red Wings veteran Todd Bertuzzi adjusts to unfamiliar role
#5 San Jose Sharks vs. #6 Los Angeles Kings… two former Storm players
Featuring Storm alumni Dustin Brown (#23 LA Kings) and Drew Doughty (#8 LA Kings). Less than a year after helping the Kings to their first Stanley Cup title, Brown, Doughty and LA are trying to make it back-to-back Cups. In the first round, Brown, the Kings’ captain, had two points. On the blueline, Doughty played an astonishing 28:49 per game (six minutes more than any other King) while picking up three points.
NHL Eastern Conference
#1 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. #7 Ottawa Senators… one former Storm player
Featuring Storm alumni Craig Anderson (#41 Ottawa Senators). Ranked 7th in the conference, the Senators upset the 2nd ranked Canadiens in five games thanks largely to the stellar play of former Storm netminder Craig Anderson. After leading the NHL in save percentage (0.941) and goals against average (1.69) in the regular season, the veteran goaltender was just as good in the first round. Anderson was 4-1 for the Senators with a 1.80 GAA and 0.950 SV%.
CLICK TO READ Pens will take their best shots on Anderson
#4 Boston Bruiins vs. #6 New York Rangers… three former Storm players
Featuring Storm alumni Daniel Paille (#20 Boston Bruins), Ryan Callahan (#24 New York Rangers) (pictured) and Daniel Girardi (#5 New York Rangers). Teammates on the Storm’s 2003-04 OHL Championship team, the trio will square off in round two. For Paille and Girardi, their connection goes beyond two seasons in Guelph. The pair of 29 year olds both grew up in Welland and played minor hockey together. In the first round, Paille and the Bruins downed the Toronto Maple Leafs in seven games. Paille keyed Boston’s Game Three win with a critical shorthanded goal and added an assist for two points in the series. For the Rangers, captain Callahan had three points in their upset of the Washington Capitals. Defensively, Girardi led all players with 26:05 of ice time per game and added two points.
