Duhatschek notebook: Brayden Point’s Conn Smythe case, fun with player poll, Dougie Hamilton’s next move
New York TimesBrayden Point’s playoff performance on behalf of the Tampa Bay Lightning this year reminds me a little of what Joe Nieuwendyk accomplished on behalf of the Dallas Stars back in the 1999 Stanley Cup playoffs — one of the oddest postseasons ever when it came time to select a playoff MVP. The overall playoff scoring leader that spring was a player who didn’t even make it to the Stanley Cup Final – Peter Forsberg of the Colorado Avalanche. Compared to other elite defensemen, Hamilton’s minutes have been managed more carefully by a succession of different coaches on a series of different teams – though one could argue that in the past couple of years, that may be partly attributed to Carolina’s overall depth on the blue line. No matter which camp you find yourself in – analytics, eye test, or some middle ground in between – there’s no disputing that Hamilton is a gem offensively and offensive defenseman almost always get paid.
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