Predators' Johansen out to prove he can be a top player on big stage
Ryan Johansen is ready for the next challenge.
The Nashville Predators center played a huge role in the disposing of the Chicago Blackhawks in four games, leading the team with six points (one goal, five assists) while also going head to head with and containing Jonathan Toews.
A second-round series with the St. Louis Blues is now on deck, and the 24-year-old doesn't see how he can be held back.
"Knowing that I played solid against Toews and got the job done versus him, why can’t I do that against anyone?" he opined, per Adam Vingan of The Tennessean.
In fact, Johansen - who's set to become a restricted free agent on July 1 - is embracing the Stanley Cup Playoffs as a chance to prove he's a bona fide No. 1 center that can be relied upon to come through when it matters most.
"I want to be a guy that’s counted on," he said. "I want to be a guy that must perform for us to be successful ... It’s a fun time right now for me. It’s just a great opportunity for me to go out there and prove myself that I can be a top player in this league on the biggest stage."
Based on how he played against Chicago, he's well on his way.
Game 1 between the Predators and Blues is set for Wednesday in St. Louis.