| | The Matchup: Pierre Turgeon vs. Tom Barrasso
The Question: Does Barrasso have enough left to stop a guy like Turgeon?
Pierre Turgeon
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Tom Barrasso
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Turgeon's year too good for injury-riddled Barrasso
Pierre Turgeon has an unfair advantage over Tom Barrasso because he has been healthy the whole season and is playing excellent hockey. The St. Louis Blues center is having a resurgent year, while Barrasso, the Penguins goalie, has struggled with injuries.
Turgeon, who is fourth in the NHL in points with 54, is a slick player who seems to have turned the corner mentally. When you talk to his teammates and coaches, they raise their eyebrows and say he has become a different player since last year's playoffs. He has a different look about him, off and on the ice.
There is a consistent intensity level that Turgeon may have never had before, or at least not to the same degree. I asked him about it, and he just kind of shrugged his shoulders and said he just wanted to do well. Turgeon seems to have made some sort of mental commitment that has caught everyone's attention, and it shows in his stats.
The five-time All-Star is doing a lot of things he was accused of never doing before -- going into traffic, chasing loose pucks when it might be dangerous, forechecking and doing the grunt work along the boards. He is doing the extra little things that get you more chances and demonstrate solid, all-around play. He is really driven this year, and it is great to see.
As for Barrasso, a former Vezina Trophy winner and two-time Stanley Cup champion, he is fighting to get his timing and form back. He has played only 11 games while battling chronic injuries that have kept him out most of the season. In the games he has played, he has a 3-5 record with a goals-against average of 3.23.
Barrasso has to prove to himself and his teammates that he can return to his normal level because he has been a top-level goalie for a long time. Against a hot player like Turgeon, Barrasso must be at his best because Turgeon will get some chances.
Brian Engblom is a color commentator and analyst for ESPN's NHL coverage. He played 11 seasons in the NHL. | |
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