This is just quick post, but here's two examples of Pageau using the boards to buy himself time and space.
First is from his NHL debut at Philadelphia, out protecting a one-goal lead in the dying minutes:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=dHyNYZ7as1g?rel=0
Denis's on the home team, but that sounded a genuine "WOW" to me, pretty sure I said the same thing watching it live. As a coach you couldn't ask for more ruthless efficiency in that situation.
Second is the last game at Washington:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=fzB01t2I7gc?rel=0
The boards are your friend. A quick chip, curl and pass back to the point creates a pretty dangerous Gonchar one-timer.
These are small things in the grand scheme of a game, but a less intelligent player might of been stripped of the puck in the defensive zone or turned it over at the offensive blue-line trying to deke the defender.
Did I mention he's crushing the possession game, playing tough minutes, over 50% on faceoffs, and starts in the defensive zone more than anyone else on team?
Kid is good.
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