X-Factor
John Tavares
This man, El Capitan, JT – whatever you want to call him – is truly special.
After a lackluster first-half of the season for the superstar center, Tavares has been kicking butt recently, without a true winger on his line to move the puck with, nonetheless.
In Monday’s 5-2 win over Tampa Bay, Tavares scored a goal and chipped in two assists, allowing him to reach the 30-goal plateau for the third time in his young-yet-tremendous career.
Against Washington, Tuesday, JT added another three points to his season resume, including the game-wining assist in overtime against a historic Washington Capitals team.
Remember, this guy is still only 25-years-old. If they want to sweep the Blueshirts, The Captain is going to need to step up.
Ryan Pulock
The guy everyone was begging and screaming to see is finally making moves on the ice for a professional hockey team, and luckily, it’s the Isles.
When Head Coach Jack Capuano gives him the playing time, Pulock always seems to come up huge.
After being reinserted into the lineup, the 21-year-old phenom defender showed exactly why fans call for his name instead of Brian Strait…who is flat-out terrible.
His snapshot has gross power behind it, simply terrifying. Pulock rewarded Capuano for playing him as he scored his second goal of the season of the season in Monday’s win.
Still, JT not only needs a little defensive help to beat the Rangers, but Pulock can also provide much needed shots-on-goal in the offensive zone.
Look for him to have a big game Thursday.