Star rookie Kirill Kaprizov sensed that the game had changed during the first round playoffs of Wild with the Vegas Golden Knights.
After Kaprizov had taken the NHL by storm in the regular season with 56 games with 27 goals and 24 assists, he only scored his first goal in the playoffs on Monday in the T-Mobile Arena. He entered the Xcel Energy Center Wednesday night with a goal and support in the first five playoff games of his career in Game 6.
While some of this ineffectiveness can be attributed to – or lack of – puck luck, most of it is due to the 24-year-old Russian winger struggling through an extremely physical game that the Golden Knights were against him at both ends of the ice.
Whether it’s an ugly countercheck from Defense Attorney Zach Whitecloud near the boards or a simple facial cleansing from Defense Attorney Alex Pietrangelo after the whistle, the Golden Knights have skillfully drawn the line between clean and dirty to get in Kaprizov’s head.
« This is hockey, » Kaprizov said through a Russian translator ahead of Wednesday’s game. « It’s part of the game. You just have to play it through. »
When asked about the increased physical play, Kaprizov refused to use it as an excuse. He wouldn’t have any questions about the post during the playoffs either.
« I don’t speak ill will, » Kaprizov said. “We have a job to play as a player. This is what we focus on. But overall, the game has definitely become a bit more challenging since we got into the playoffs. »
That made it harder for Kaprizov to make a difference every night. It also motivated him to move on better. While scoring goals in the playoffs is up to everyone, Kaprizov admitted he feels an obligation to do so at a faster pace than before.
« I would definitely say there is a little bit of that, » he said. « Of course, if we don’t win the game, I always ask myself, » Have I done everything I can? Should I have met? Should i have done that? Should i have done that? « There is definitely a bit of that. You have to see it through. »
Wild prospect Matt Boldy took part in the team’s morning skate before Game 6 and while coach Dean Evason said the 20-year-old was ready to play, he refused tip your hand in the hours before the puck is dropped.
After signing his entry-level deal on March 31, the 6-foot-2, 195-pound winger dominated the American Hockey League with the Iowa Wild. He scored 18 points (6 goals, 12 assists) in 14 games and proved to be a force up and down the ice.
As for Boldy, who may be making his NHL debut in a playoff game, Evason was clearly not against the idea.
« Ultimately, it’s hockey, » said the coach. “You go out there and hopefully have the right attitude to play and have fun. You’re trying to score. You’re trying not to let the other team score. »
After making his post-season NHL debut in Game 5, rookie defender Calen Addison was back in the line-up for Game 6. He took the opportunity after impressing the coaching team in the game on Monday at the T-Mobile Arena . Not only did Addison look solid alongside his colleague Ian Cole, he also picked up an assist in the game.
« It was fantastic, » said Addison. “Getting into a game in a playoff like this in a place like Las Vegas is crazy. This place rocks. You can barely hear each other speak. Getting into this situation was great. I will surely never forget that. »
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