2 – Connor Clifton
In just two preseason games, the red flags came up all over the place for Clifton. Well, I wasn’t one to panic, but given how poorly he played in a pair of preseason games, some panic definitely went around the fanbase. Fortunately, Clifton should have alleviated concerns for the moment, as he looked sharp in nearly 17 minutes of ice time.
Not only did Clifton log four hits, he also pitched in offensively, recording two shots on goal. When you watched him closely last night, you’ll also have noticed that the blueliner earned his game check by getting under the Rangers skin throughout the contest. This guy is every bit of a pest as Jeff Skinner, except Clifton’s going to lay the massive hit time and again.
Out of those four body checks last night, two of them will be etched in your memory – his check on Blake Wheeler, and the one he had against Tyler Pitlock. Don’t be surprised if you see a highlight reel featuring those hits sometime in April.