As a smaller market the players not named Erik Karlsson on the Ottawa Senators often get overlooked. Players such as Stone and Hoffman are elite players that don’t get their due because people don’t see them play as often. However, it’s even worse for role players such a Jean-Gabriel Pageau. Luckily, he’s finally getting some credit.
Today the NHL announced their three stars of the week. It’s rare that members of the Ottawa Senators make these lists. The only exception is Erik Karlsson with an occasional appearance from Stone, Hoffman, and Anderson. However, this week was different. Jean-Gabriel Pageau made an appearance as the third star of the week.
An Overlooked Role Player
Pageau is a player who often gets overlooked within the Senators organization. He isn’t the flashiest player but he’s one that is integral to their success. He’s one of the best penalty killers in the entire league and has the skills to chip in offensively. Often times these two skills overlap as he’s been among the shorthanded goal leaders the past few seasons.
Times Of Recognition
There have only been two times in his career that Pageau got attention league wide for his play. The first time was when he scored a hat trick against Montreal as a rookie in the playoffs in 2013. The second time was his four goal game against the Rangers these past playoffs. However, this week he earned another round of league wide acclaim.
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Getting Credit
Over the past week the Ottawa Senators played three games and went 1-0-2. In just those three games Pageau put up one goal and five assists. That’s good for six points in just three games. While the Sens have struggled with injuries at forward it has been Pageau who stepped up while the team was in need. It’s a spot he always finds himself in, but that’s just the type of player he is.