Mike in Toronto, Ontario asks…
In most playoffs a few players usually perform stupidly well…far better than they usually are. There have been a few this year, including Miroslav Satan, Joe Pavelski Jaroslav Halak, and Mark Recchi? Who has been the biggest surprise performer in your opinion?
Answer: Jaroslav Halak
Very few people in the hockey world thought the Montreal Canadiens would eliminate the Washington Capitals. But, they did.
Then, most NHL observers argued that the Pittsburgh Penguins would demolish the Habs, especially after the Pens took a 2-1 series lead. Yet, Montreal tied the series at two.
The Canadiens finished the season with 88 points, two less than the St. Louis Blues and Calgary Flames, neither of which made the postseason.
Jaroslav Halak is why the Canadiens are still playing. Obviously, goalies cannot score goals. Nonetheless, the majority of the league’s clubs would be in Montreal’s position with Halak in net.
He has simply been superb.
