The list of players who have scored overtime goals to clinch a playoff game is extensive, including Hall of Famers, consistent All-Stars, and hard-working grinders. These grinders are players who can score but also excel in various other aspects of the game. They are the ones the entire team cheers for when they succeed. For the Rangers, Barclay Goodrow has been and will continue to be one of those with this potential.

Over his career, Goodrow has netted 60 goals in 572 regular-season games, including 16 in 61 games for the Lightning. The Lightning, if you recall, won back-to-back Stanley Cups with him. He then inked a contract with the Rangers after they missed the playoffs in the 56-game 2020-21 season.

Goodrow’s signing and much of his tenure in New York has been the subject of ridicule, as it seemed apparent that his role on the team was beginning to diminish day by day. His contract has been seen as a deterrent to the rest of the club, hindering them in their journey to improve as they look for a Stanley Cup.

This changed when Barclay Goodrow became the hero in Game 2 of this year’s Eastern Conference Final, lifting the team to an OT win to even the series early on. The play began with Jacob Trouba’s outlet pass from the defensive zone, which Goodrow took near center ice. He passed the puck to Vincent Trocheck, who lobbed it back to Goodrow in the Panthers’ zone as linemate Will Cuylle cut to the net. Goodrow’s wobbly shot beat Sergei Bobrovsky, and that was that.

Goodrow also scored twice, including a shorthanded goal, in 5-4 overtime victory against the Panthers in Game 3 two nights later. He also contributed two hits, and two blocked shots, and earned a plus-2 rating, helping the Rangers take a 2-1 series lead. His playoff experience is evident, with five goals in his last six games despite playing a limited bottom-six role.

Over 13 playoff appearances, Goodrow has accumulated six goals, two assists, 14 shots on net, 32 hits, 25 blocked shots, and a plus-4 rating. While it’s unlikely he can maintain this scoring rate long-term, his solid defensive play ensures he remains a key part of the lineup.

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