Kukla's Korner Hockey

Kukla's Korner Hockey

Derick Brassard Steps Up His Game Just In Time

05/27/2015 at 8:06am EDT

from Larry Brooks of the New York Post,

Challenge accepted.

Challenge accepted by the resilient Rangers, who staved off elimination for the fourth time this spring and for the 15th time over the last four tournaments with Tuesday’s 7-3 Game 6 victory over the Lightning to set up yet another Game 7 at the Garden on Friday, winner getting to go to the Stanley Cup final.

Challenge accepted by Derick Brassard, who recorded a hat trick and five-point night following a morning meeting with Alain Vigneault in which the coach urged No. 16 and fellow 1A/1B center Derek Stepan to lift their respective games.

“I told them that we needed them to step up and be difference-makers,” the coach told The Post. “And they did, they both responded, they both came through with what we needed.

“Brass’ line was great.”

continued

added 8:21am, from Pierre LeBrun of ESPN,

Oh yes, Mr. Elimination Game was huge again. Henrik Lundqvist stopped 36 of 39 shots on the evening, his pad save on Stamkos in the first period an absolutely heart-stopper.

Just Hank being Hank, he now sports a ridiculous .954 save percentage in those 18 elimination games since 2012.

"Everything on the line again and we found a way," said Lundqvist. "I felt like we had a really tough time in the second to get pucks deep, and they're a really good team when you don't get the pucks in the right places. But then in the third, I think maybe our experience in these situations helped us, because we come out and play extremely well, a smart period until you get out of hand a little bit.

"It's such an important time right now, and for us to come through like this in a big game, it's always good for your confidence. It's a good feeling."

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Paul Kukla founded Kukla’s Korner in 2005 and the site has since become the must-read site on the ‘net for all the latest happenings around the NHL.

From breaking news to in-depth stories around the league, KK Hockey is updated with fresh stories all day long and will bring you the latest news as quickly as possible.

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