In a game the New York Rangers needed to have, Anton Stralman made a reactionary save he absolutely needed to make.
During a scramble in the New York crease, the Rangers defenseman cleared the puck right off the goal line in the first period of Wednesday’s Game 4.
The play came with New York ahead by a goal. The Rangers held on for the win to avoid being swept in the Stanley Cup Final by the L.A. Kings. They have life, a small chance.
On a team that includes Ryan McDonagh, Dan Girardi and Marc Staal, Stralman doesn’t get nearly the public recognition that the other three defenseman do.
“I think he’s been so steady ever since he came to New York. He’s such a humble and quiet guy, you don’t talk that much about him. But you always know what he’s going to bring,” said Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist.
“He sees the game really well. He’s a really smart player with and without the puck. So he definitely deserves more credit, I think.
“He has so much talent. I think his game is so steady, I really do. As a goalie, when you have a defenseman in front of you that’s so calm, you know, making good decisions with and without the puck, it definitely helps me relax and gives me confidence, too.”