We have everyone stepping up and leaning on each other - not just leaning toward one or two guys." That's why we've been successful thus far in the playoffs. He's played great for us and stepped up when we needed him. He's one of the smartest guys on his team when it comes to controlling the puck and making plays and knowing where to be. People don't realize the offensive smarts that he has. "Playing against him in juniors, he was always leading his team in scoring. But he's a great player," explained Downie's close friend and teammate Steven Stamkos. the anger part of it, the suspension part of it and all that crap. A lot of the time, the attention gets swirled around about his past. "It's not a surprise if you ask the guys in our room. Three of those victories came while facing elimination at the hands of the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round. He has one game winner and in Game 1 of the Lightning's Eastern Conference semifinal series against Washington, he scored a critical tying goal late in the second period when it looked like the Capitals were going to break the game open.Įight of his nine points have come in his last four games, all Lightning victories. Not only has Downie contributed, he has contributed in a timely fashion. That's a quality that not a lot of guys have." He can make plays under pressure and that's not everybody. He doesn't panic when he's got the puck and he's being pressured. "His hockey sense is a lot better than people think," coach Guy Boucher said. I understand people who think like that, but he is one heck of a hockey player,” Bergenheim added.Įight games into this playoff season and Downie, often the lightning rod for controversy deserved or not over the years, is leading Tampa in scoring with nine points, second-most among all NHL players thus far this spring in spite of the fact he is averaging about half the ice-time that other top players are receiving. He's in on the forecheck and he hits but I think with the puck, excellent passes," said Bergenheim, who has formed a dynamic trio this spring with Downie and center Dominic Moore. You see, Bergenheim isn't being ironic, it's not until a reporter suggests the term "calm" is rarely used in conjunction with the combustible Tampa forward that Bergenheim sees anything remotely curious about his description. We pause to consider not just the incongruousness of the description but also the ability of people to defy our expectations, to redefine themselves, to change. WASHINGTON - Sean Bergenheim is describing Tampa Bay Lightning linemate Steve Downie and he is using the term "calm." You have reached a degraded version of because you're using an unsupported version of Internet Explorer.įor a complete experience, please upgrade or use a supported browser
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