Watching from the crease, Ben Bishop has a unique perspective on the game.
As far as the Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender is concerned, Jonathan Drouin's impact in the playoffs can't be understated.
Related: Lightning's Drouin slides 1st-career playoff goal past Greiss
"He's been carrying this team ever since he's come up here," Bishop told reporters after a Game 2 win over the New York Islanders. "You've got to respect that. He's come up with great attitude."
"Up," of course, is a reference to Drouin's AHL exile and subsequent team suspension upon making a trade request public earlier this season.
In seven playoff games, Drouin has recorded one goal and six assists, and is driving the offense devoid of star Steven Stamkos.
Head coach Jon Cooper put it this way:
Cooper on Drouin: "He is slippery. You ever go fishing and try to grab the fish with a bare hand? That's what he's like." #TBLightning
— Bryan Burns (@BBurnsNHL) April 30, 2016
There's been no comment in regards to the relationship between Drouin and the team, but it's safe to assume every point fosters positive feelings and/or raises his value should he remain on the trade market in the offseason.
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