Brock Nelson Is Clutch During the NHL Playoffs
Brock Nelson has stepped up for the Islanders at crucial moments during the NHL Playoffs throughout his career. This postseason is no exception.
Entering Game 6 of the First Round against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Brock Nelson had one goal and two assists. In Game 6, Nelson had two goals and an assist, sending the Islanders to Boston. In the Second Round, Nelson only had two points through the first five games. But Nelson was flying in Game 6 and scored another two goals. Both of Nelson’s multi-goal games came in series clinchers. He is unbelievably clutch.
Nelson got his first taste of playoff action in 2013 against the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game 6. He wasn’t very productive in his first two trips to the postseason. He scored his only two goals of the Islanders’ 2015 series with the Capitals in Game 1. The following year, his only goal of the playoffs was in Game 1 against Florida and his best game was a two-assist performance in Game 1 against Tampa.
Things started to turn around with Barry Trotz at the helm. Nelson scored three goals in the Isles’ sweep against the Penguins in 2019 including one in the deciding Game 4. He was quiet during the Second Round against Carolina, but scored in a losing effort in Game 4.
Last year’s NHL Playoffs were when Brock Nelson really shined. His best games were series-clinching games. He had a goal and an assist in Game 4 of the qualifying round against Florida. Nelson then assisted on Anthony Beauvillier’s first goal of Game 5 against Washington. The goal turned out to be the game-winner.
In the Second Round against the Philadelphia Flyers, Nelson finished with four goals, including a goal and two assists in Game 7. Finally, in Game 3 against Tampa, Nelson scored the game-winner with 3:25 remaining in the third period. Brock Nelson is not scared of the big moment.
Brock Nelson has the most goals in potential series-clinching games since 2017. Moreover, in the last two years, Brock Nelson’s 15 playoff goals are third-most in the entire league behind only Brayden Point and Nathan MacKinnon. Furthermore, Nelson has 0.75 goals per game in potential series-clinching games. He is in an elite company behind Hall of Famers Jeremy Roenick, Maurice Richard and Mario Lemieux.
Nelsons is among the best Islanders playoff performers too. Only Mikey Bossy (41 goals) and Butch Goring (23) scored more goals than Nelson (22) in their first 60 playoff games. Nine of Nelson’s 22 playoff goals came in potential series-clinching games. Brock Nelson is big time. He does not shrink under pressure. When it matters most, Nelson rises to the occasion.
Ethan is an Economics Major at the University of Florida looking to pursue a double major in Sports Management with a minor in political science.
