He is a late bloomer who reached the 50-goal plateau in the QMJHL. He had just five NHL games played before 2009-10, despite being drafted in 2001. This right winger has reached at least 18 goals in a season three times, including the lockout-shortened 2012-13 season.
This player is P.A. Parenteau.
Selected in the ninth round, which doesn’t even exist in the NHL Draft anymore, Parenteau has played for five NHL teams, including the Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers, New York Islanders, Colorado Avalanche and, now, the Canadiens. The 32-year old made his first playoff appearance with Colorado last postseason, but his biggest goal did not come until Saturday.
A healthy scratch in Game 3 against the Ottawa Senators, Parenteau was the hero. On his 30th shot of the postseason. the Hull, Quebec, native teed up from the high slot and beat Lightning goalie Ben Bishop glove side.
After his worst offensive output (8-14–22) since becoming an NHL lineup regular in 2010-11, Parenteau was not expected to be much of a factor in this series, much less when the Canadiens are on the brink of elimination.
However, the playoffs have a way of finding new heroes on a daily basis. Just ask the Nashville Predators about Joel Ward in 2011, or the Tampa Bay Lightning about Sean Bergenheim during the same year. It seems to happen every game. It will take more than one goal to reach true playoff-performer status, though.
Attaining that accolade is in the hands of one player.
Prepare for today’s games and more with a look at the big NHL headlines.
Carey Price made a huge save before Steven Stamkos scored in Game 5. [Pro Hockey Talk]
The pressure seems to be off Montreal’s shoulders; now the Lightning need to answer the bell. [Tampa Bay Times]
The Capitals are a different team from years past. [Today’s Slapshot]
The Flames should not have scratched Josh Jooris in Game 4. [Flames Nation]
Sidney Crosby is chasing a different title overseas. [ESPN]
Jack Eichel is impressing his U.S, and NHL, teammates. [USA Today]
Is Robin Lehner on the trading block for the Senators? [TSN.ca]
The Oilers are interested in bringing in Todd McLellan. [The Score]