Lafferty's game is suited to playoff wear and tear
Fourth-liners often author firstrate stories.
It comes with the territory of measured minutes, career uncertainty and knowing they skate a fine line of being valuable or vulnerable, especially if they don't adhere to the grinder's mantra.
They must be physical on the forecheck, frustrate elite players, defend with determination, not allow goals and not take penalties. If they score, it's a bonus.
It's an NHL version of the Survivor reality TV series.
Sam Lafferty has had cups of coffee in the top-six mix, but he knows where his bread is buttered.
The versatile Vancouver Canucks forward has taken shifts with Elias Pettersson this season, but in reality, he's a fourth-liner who has been on six different combinations as a right-wing staple.
His career road is one paved with the angst of being traded twice and the anticipation of what awaits in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
“Everyone has a bit of a different path to get here,” Lafferty said Tuesday.
“You have to be able to adapt and take what you get and make the most of it. It's been quite a journey and it's been a lot of fun. It's been awesome this year to have this much success and it's the best time of year. We're all very excited.”
Playoffs define careers. Bottom-six players often make big strides because star players struggle to find time and space as every shift becomes crucial.
For Lafferty, who logged nine post-season games with the Toronto Maple Leafs last season before being traded here in October, making the right impression is imperative.
He is one of nine unrestricted free agents on the roster, and at age 29, his US$1.15-million salary cap hit is a fit now.
Lafferty is third among club forwards in hits and sixth in blocks. He has 23 points (12-11) and a game that seems suited to the bump and grind of the second season.
“In the playoffs against Florida last year, he was one of the better Leafs,” said Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet. “He was on the forecheck against a team that's aggressive. That's the sort of stuff we need Lafferty to do. It's a chance for him to be that winger who can do that and also play centre.”
Here's our weekly Q&A with Lafferty:
Q Tocchet is firm but fair with players. What has been your experience?
A A lot of respect. We have a very open and honest relationship, and he's been very helpful and supportive the entire time. You can tell he has a lot of confidence in me. I just had a good feeling here from the start. And when I've needed to pick it up a bit, he has let me know.
He wants me to make sure I'm always reliable and to know what he's going to get from me. And he's quick to reward you if you're playing well. He wants to communicate and his door is always open.
Q You sit beside J.T. Miller in the room. He's a chirper. What's that like?
A It's definitely entertaining. He hasn't chirped me with something that's memorable, it's all just great. It's all in good fun. He's just such an intense and competitive guy and, honestly, you just love having him on your side.
His motor is always running and he drives our team in so many ways. It's been a privilege to sit beside him and learn. His advice is simple stuff. What I really respect is he doesn't change his game.
He puts up 100 points and plays hard and the right way every night. It's what I really admire about him.
Q How will your playoff experience with the Leafs help in this post-season?
A It was a really big learning experience. I played one game
in the bubble (2020) and it wasn't the same intensity level. It wasn't true playoff hockey. But our opening series against Tampa last year (4-2 series win) was very, very ramped up with intensity.
It's knowing what to expect. I had to make adjustments in my game and that really helped and we progressed into the second round (4-1 series loss to Florida). I can take a lot of confidence from that.
It's knowing about the pressure and knowing that's when it gets more fun. And that you can perform under those situations.
As for the Canucks, we're built for this time of year. We play hard and we want to be hard to play against. And when we're at our best, we're very good.
Q How did playing with Sidney Crosby help advance your career?
A Getting a chance to play with him was very special and just getting to know him as a person, too. You can see why he's had so much success because he's a great player and even a better guy.
He's so down to earth and grounded and has so much respect for the game and everyone involved.
He's having another great season (40 goals) and he's willing his team into the playoffs. It's pretty impressive.
Definitely my favourite player growing up. I still remember exactly where I was when the Penguins won the draft lottery to take him. I was on my way to a Little League baseball game. We were all so excited. He pretty much saved hockey in the western side of the state.