Avalanche management left scratching their heads after a former forward's recent playoff breakthrough
Photo credit: David Santiago / Miami Herald
A.J. Greer has played a key role in helping the Florida Panthers reach their third consecutive Stanley Cup Final.
Greer's efforts have certainly not gone unrecognized after putting up career-high numbers in the NHL this past regular season.
Management left scratching their heads after a former Avalanche's recent play.
Chris Lomon from the NHLPA writes that hard work has always been a hallmark of 28-year-old A.J. Greer's game, and this season, it's clearly paid off. He's earned himself his first NHL playoff experience and a trip to the Stanley Cup Final with the Florida Panthers.
"His winding path to this moment includes stints with five AHL teams and four NHL clubs. He's played with Colorado, New Jersey, Boston and Calgary before landing in Florida. All stops marked by plenty of ups and downs. Greer, however, retained an unwavering in the belief in himself throughout it all." -Lomon
Greer was drafted 39th overall by the Colorado Avalanche in 2015. The winger has used his gritty play to great effect in 12 playoff game this postseason.
«When you think you finally got to the top of the mountain, there will always be another challenge, another setback and it's how you react and how you grasp the next opportunity that's in front of you." -Greer
Playing on the fourth line, Greer has been a constant source of energy, laying hits, applying pressure on the forecheck, and helping to neutralize opposing scoring threats. He notched his first-ever NHL playoff goal during Florida's dominant 6-1 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 5 of the second round.
Greer signed with the Panthers as a free agent last July.
"Although his name wasn't etched onto the Stanley Cup after Florida's win last year, he's been an invaluable part of a Panthers team now making its third straight Stanley Cup Final appearance." -Lomon
Here's what Panthers' head coach Paul Maurice had to say about Greer's relentless play.
«He's a keeper for us. He works on all parts of his game, but the base of his game is playoff hockey in my mind. You'll see it when it comes out. He's going to play like that all year long, so when the puck drops in the playoffs, he's going to be able to play that game for a long time, very hard.» -Maurice
Greer has achieved a major milestone this season, earning recognition as the Panthers' nominee for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, an award honouring the NHL player who best embodies perseverance, dedication, and sportsmanship.
Greer's game plan remains unchanged as he and the Panthers are two wins shy from earning him his first Stanley Cup.
Previously on Avalanche Insider
| POLL | ||
JUIN 10 | 25 ANSWERS Avalanche management left scratching their heads after a former forward's recent playoff breakthrough Do you think the Avalanche regret letting go of A.J. Greer? | ||
| yes | 10 | 40 % |
| no | 15 | 60 % |
| List of polls | ||
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