BIG BEN HARPUR HAS BEEN AN UNSUNG HERO IN SENS’ RUN
In what is fast becoming a very special Senators spring, there are a number of spectacular moments you are starting to bookmark in your memory bank.
At the top of a hero’s list that includes the names Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Erik Karlsson, Clarke MacArthur, Derick Brassard, Bobby Ryan, Dion Phaneuf and Craig Anderson stands one highlight that, upon much consideration, we’ve upgraded to the greatest two-man play in NHL history.
Hyperbole, that is not. Many more important goals have been scored, of course, but if there is a greater piece of perfection that Karlsson’s goal-line-to-farblue-line flying saucer received by Mike Hoffman — just over the tallest man in league history — and the slick winger’s sensational finishing touch, please enlighten us. Down a list you’ll remember for years and beyond, should this team keep on running, is the new third defence pairing of Fredrik Claesson and, in particular, Ben Harpur.
Their contributions are less glorious, but quite significant to a team that is 6-2 in the playoffs after eight one-goal games.
Both were on the ice for more Ottawa goals than New York goals as the teams combined for 11 in Saturday’s double OT, when even with last change coach Guy Boucher had Harpur and Claesson out against the Rangers’ big boys.
With New York’s depth, Boucher said Sunday, he has no choice. Obviously, when the opponent sees they’re on the ice, they know that they’re younger guys ... and of course they try to target those guys some time,” Boucher said. “At some point, everybody has got to be able to play against anybody, or else there’s no way we can get through this.”
Harpur’s story is getting better all the time. On Saturday, he played 20:32 and was a plus-2.
“He was very good,” said one former NHL defenceman, who can see Harpur being a top-four guy on the Ottawa blue-line next season. “Maybe not at the start, but I think he’ll be playing with (Cody) Ceci and they’ll bump (Dion) Phaneuf to the No. 3 pairing.”
Keep in mind, Harpur has now participated in a whole six NHL playoff games, which means he’s just more than halfway to equalling his regular-season experience.
“He made some unbelievable, savant plays,” Boucher said of the 6-foot-6 Harpur. “His size is great, the way he defends, but his poise with the puck is really impressive. To make the plays he’s making under that type of pressure right now, you can’t help but being impressed.”
Harpur moves very well with those big-man strides, which he showed off in overtime by charging up for a chance in offensive zone and then getting back into position. He also displayed his confidence and his sense that he belongs with numerous plays in the D-zone, including a calm pass up the middle from behind his own net.
“Obviously it’s a high-pressure situation, but if the play is there, I’ve got to be able to make it,” Harpur said. “I think a lot of it has come in the confidence the coaches have shown in me. The five games I played down the stretch, I was playing lots. And even in the playoff games I’ve played.
“If they’re going to throw me out there, they’re relying on me and I’ve got to be able to make plays.”
Harpur picked up his first NHL playoff point on Marc Methot’s second-period goal Saturday, but the reality of it is, at this stage in his career, points are not a priority for Harpur. Being reliable is, as is his ice time and plus-minus rating.
“If I’m playing a good chunk of minutes, I’m letting the other guys rest,” he said. “Giving them the ability to play more efficiently. I think that’s the most important thing for me. Providing them with some good minutes. Like I said, if the opportunity is there I’m going to jump in and be confident out there.”
Harpur and Claesson will both be under siege at Madison Square Garden, where the natives will be demanding victory and Alain Vigneault gets last change.
Harpur says he won’t be intimidated by the big stage, and from the calmness he has displayed through his first 17 NHL games, you tend to believe him.