While not being an overly flashy player, Barclay Goodrow is so valuable for this Rangers team for a multitude of reasons that many fans must look deeply to see.
Barclay Goodrow changed the entire trajectory of the Eastern Conference Final.
In overtime of Game 2, Goodrow scored a critical overtime goal to propel the New York Rangers to a 2-1 victory against the Florida Panthers, tying up the series at 1-1.
It was only fitting that Goodrow was the hero.
After winning the Stanley Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning in both 2020 and 2021, the Rangers signed Goodrow to a six-year contract.
He’s now played three seasons in New York and has served a consistent and steady role for this team.
While playing on the Rangers’ fourth line through these playoffs, Goodrow has four goals, two assists and six points in 12 games.
The 31-year-old’s game doesn't jump at you right away when watching him, but his role on the Rangers is extremely valuable.
"When you get a player that can do everything, where a coach can rely on that person, that's a pretty useful tool in the toolbox," Rangers coach Peter Laviolette said. "He takes faceoffs, plays all three forward positions. You want him out there at the end of the game. If you're winning a hockey game, you can match him up against top lines.
"He brings physicality, brings leadership, brings a lot of qualities inside of our room. So when you get a player like that, you appreciate it as a coach of all the things that he brings to the table."
As Laviolette said, Goodrow is really a jack of all trades, which is something that all of his teammates cherish and appreciate.
Following New York’s thrilling Game 2 victory, multiple Ranger players took the time to praise Goodrow and all that he brings to the table.
"He's one of those guys that gets teams to win. He's a big-time player who shows up in big-time games," captain Jacob Trouba said.
Goodrow is a gritty player that is willing to play any type of role, but the title of goal scorer has not been something he’s particularly known for.
It feels that Goodrow was almost rewarded in a way for all the hard work that he puts in on top of the way he goes above and beyond for all of his teammates each and every time he steps on the ice.
"To see him score a goal like tonight is awesome, because his role doesn't always consist of that," Laviolette said. "When you see somebody who does so many other things that helps the team be successful, you're really happy for a guy like that when you see him make a huge impact on the game."