Islanders’ Game 1 Unsung Hero, Calvin De Haan

from ottawasun.com

One of the main concerns the Islanders and their fans had going into this series was the condition and availability of defenseman Travis Hamonic.

Spending a top 15 draft pick on a stay-at-home defenseman isn’t the sexiest of moves – fans want to see goal scorers or offensive-minded defensemen selected in round one.

But when the Islanders surprised everyone and traded up to the 12th slot to select the 25th ranked prospect Calvin de Haan in 2009, many people were shaking their heads.

However, last night, people were turning their heads.

De Haan was pressed into action with Hamonic on the shelf and the young defenseman did not disappoint.

Matched up cheifly on Alex Ovechkin’s line, De Haan partnered with Brian Strait and the two of them were physical and well-positioned much of the night.

The Islanders are still mum on the status of Hamonic, so de Haan may be pressed into action again.