• Full Press Coverage
  • Full Press Wrestling
  • Full Press Radio Network
  • FullPressShop.com
  • Want to write for us?
  • Advertise With Us

Sunday, May 22, 2022
Full Press Hockey
  • NHL
    • Atlantic Division
      • Boston Bruins
      • Buffalo Sabres
      • Montreal Canadiens
      • Ottawa Senators
      • Tampa Bay Lightning
    • Metropolitan Division
      • Philadelphia Flyers
    • Central Division
      • Winnipeg Jets
    • Pacific Division
  • NHL Rumors
  • AHL
  • KHL
  • NHL Draft
  • Prospects
  • Podcasts
    • Full Press NHL Pod
    • Full Press Hockey Weekly
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Off The Post Radio
    • Mike Saves Hockey
    • Final Word On Hockey
    • The Calder Farmstead
    • C4 Canucks Podcast
    • High and Wide Radio
    • Fourth Line Hockey Pod
    • Front Range Podcast
    • Sal and Cratty Pod
    • Fantasy Hockey X
  • Full Press Coverage
  • Shop
No Result
View All Result
Full Press Hockey
  • NHL
    • Atlantic Division
      • Boston Bruins
      • Buffalo Sabres
      • Montreal Canadiens
      • Ottawa Senators
      • Tampa Bay Lightning
    • Metropolitan Division
      • Philadelphia Flyers
    • Central Division
      • Winnipeg Jets
    • Pacific Division
  • NHL Rumors
  • AHL
  • KHL
  • NHL Draft
  • Prospects
  • Podcasts
    • Full Press NHL Pod
    • Full Press Hockey Weekly
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Off The Post Radio
    • Mike Saves Hockey
    • Final Word On Hockey
    • The Calder Farmstead
    • C4 Canucks Podcast
    • High and Wide Radio
    • Fourth Line Hockey Pod
    • Front Range Podcast
    • Sal and Cratty Pod
    • Fantasy Hockey X
  • Full Press Coverage
  • Shop
No Result
View All Result
Full Press Hockey
No Result
View All Result
Home NHL Atlantic Division Tampa Bay Lightning

Lightning Defenceman Ryan McDonagh Continues To Evolve As A Player

Jim Biringer by Jim Biringer
July 10, 2021
in NHL, Stanley Cup Playoffs, Tampa Bay Lightning
0
943
SHARES
2.7k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

The Tampa Bay Lightning are Stanley Cup Champions once again. Tampa Bay defeated the Montreal Canadiens by a score of 1-0 in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final. The Lightning were just too much for the Canadiens to handle. Especially the aggressive play of the Lightning defensive unit. A big standout from that unit was Ryan McDonagh. You could have made the case for McDonagh winning the Conn Smythe Trophy, which went to Andrei Vasilevskiy, for the way he played for the Lightning in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, coming up with the big plays in the big moments.

  • Ep 29: Stanley Cup Playoffs; Maple Leafs Collapse; End Of An Era For Penguins
    by Full Press Coverage on May 18, 2022 at 4:31 am

    Mike, Jim, and Chris discuss the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/49839480/1802450_1652832066262_restream.mp3

But ever since coming over to the Lightning via trade from the New York Rangers in 2018, McDonagh has fit in perfectly. While many people thought his career was winding down, McDonagh showed he could re-invent himself and continue to improve as a player for the Lightning. And now look at him, McDonagh has won back-to-back Stanley Cups and was a big part of the reason why.

Ryan McDonagh Evolution As A Player

Well, McDonagh was the star in New York, being the captain of the team and the leader on defence, he has taken a back seat to Victor Hedman on defence. For McDonagh that is totally fine as it allows him to play his game. And while he may not be the captain, he is still a leader on the team, wearing an “A” on his sweater. Yes, Hedman gets all the attention, but it is McDonagh and his partner Erik Cernak getting the toughest matchups in the playoffs. This move has allowed McDonagh to evolve as a player. His role on the Lightning has allowed Hedman and Mikhail Sergachev to be more offensive-minded.

McDonagh went up against the likes of Aleksander Barkov of Florida in Round One. Sebastian Aho of Carolina in Round Two. Matthew Barzal of the Islanders in Round Three. And the line of Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki of the Canadiens in the Stanley Cup Final. Not to mention he kills penalties too. So it is quite impressive he led all Lightning players with a +18. He is the Lightning’s best even-strength defenceman.

Ever since coming over to the Lightning, McDonagh has brought so much experience to the table. He went to a Stanley Cup Final with the Rangers in 2014. Though they lost, he learned what it took to win. Then following to the Lightning the following year in Game 7 of the Conference Final. Not to mention the experience and growth he experienced with the Lightning. Losing to Washington in Game 7 of the 2018 Conference Final. The sweep at the hands of the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2019.

That experience allowed McDonagh to evolve as a player knowing when to jump into the play and be aggressive. And when to sit back and biding his time in the defensive zone before going on the attack.

“I think most importantly, our play with the puck, our decision-making with the puck, our understanding of when there’s a play to be made and when there’s not, to be high-percentage,” McDonagh said to reporters after Game 7. “It’s been the biggest key to our success the last handful of years, for sure last year. … It’s just not feeding teams, not turning pucks over.”

Latest Lightning News

  • Team Commitment Is Key To Tampa Bay Lightning Success
  • 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs Second Round Preview
  • Stanley Cup Odds: Avalanche Remain Heavy Favorites Entering Second Round
  • 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs Notebook: It Is All About Game 7
  • Tampa Bay Lightning Quest For A Three-Peat Stays Alive

Ryan McDonagh Impact In The Playoffs

Just look at the plays he made in the Stanley Cup Final against the Canadiens. His reads especially off of turnovers allowed the Lightning to win the Stanley Cup in five games. We broke down his play on the Blake Coleman diving goal in Game 2, and the way he read the play perfectly-getting the puck up to Barclay Goodrow.

But he was doing it all series. It started in Game 1 and continued into Game 5. But as McDonagh talked about in the post-game presser, his decision-making has evolved as a player leading to a major impact for the Lightning this postseason.

Just look at what McDonagh did on the Goodrow goal in Game 4. McDonagh’s aggressive play at the blue line keeping the puck in led to the Lightning tying the game at 1-1. Again it was off another Montreal turnover. But that is in part because of how aggressive the defence especially McDonagh was playing. The puck bounces over to Blake Coleman. Coleman passes the puck to McDonagh, who brings Carey Price and Jeff Petry to him. From there McDonagh slides the puck to an open Goodrow into an open net. Just another evolution of Ryan McDonagh and how he reads plays.

 

Then on the game-winning goal with Ross Colton, McDonagh’s patience paid off nicely. There is a pile along the boards and instead of going in and helping out, he sits on the blue line. The puck comes to him and he opens up the Canadiens defence walking the blue line. He slides the puck to David Savard who finds Colton back door for the Cup Clinching goal.

McDonagh’s Importance

Again McDonagh had a stellar playoff for the Lightning. If it wasn’t for McDonagh being able to evolve as a player, the Lightning might not have won back-to-back Stanley Cups. You need players to accept roles and he did. And McDonagh was able to adapt and change to each series and each situation he was put in. Ryan McDonagh is an important piece to this Lightning defence. If he isn’t protected it will be a real shock considering what he did in the playoffs for them.

 

 

 

  • Full Press NHL Podcast
  • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
  • Fourth Line Hockey Podcast
  • Calder Farmstead Podcast
  • Front Range Hockey
  • Section
  • FPC Radio LIVE

Full Press NHL Podcast

  • Ep 29: Stanley Cup Playoffs; Maple Leafs Collapse; End Of An Era For Penguins
    by Full Press Coverage on May 18, 2022 at 4:31 am

    Mike, Jim, and Chris discuss the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/49839480/1802450_1652832066262_restream.mp3
  • Ep 28: NHL Draft Lottery; Stanley Cup; Islanders Coaching Situation
    by Full Press Coverage on May 11, 2022 at 1:13 am

    Jim Biringer and Chris Wassel discuss the results of the NHL Draft […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/49752058/1802450_1652227637197_restream.mp3

Big Bad Bruins Podcast

I am text block. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

  • Ep 73: Bruins Face Elimination; Bruce Cassidy On Hot Seat; Patrice Bergeron Final Stand
    by Full Press Coverage on May 12, 2022 at 4:00 pm

    Ian and Chris discuss game six between the Bruins and Hurricanes and the […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV5781333124.mp3?updated=1652371901
  • Ep 72: Bruins Acquire Hampus Lindholm; More Moves To Come?
    by Full Press Coverage on March 20, 2022 at 3:34 pm

    Ian and Chris discuss the trade of Hampus Lindholm to the Bruins and what […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV8477785212.mp3?updated=1647791004

Fourth Line Hockey Podcast

  • Episode #380 - The 2022 NHL Playoffs - Second Round
    by Full Press Coverage on May 17, 2022 at 2:30 am

    After FIVE!!! game 7's in the first round of the playoffs, the 2nd round […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/49825557/episode380_output.mp3
  • Episode #379 - The 2022 NHL Playoffs - First Round
    by Full Press Coverage on May 10, 2022 at 2:02 am

    The NHL playoffs are well underway and the series are definitely not going […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/49735937/episode379_output.mp3

Calder Farmstead Podcast

  • Episode #102: French or Silence
    by Full Press Coverage on May 21, 2022 at 5:46 am

    The AHL Divisional Semifinals have concluded, and now, only eight teams […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/49884050/the_calder_farmstead_episode_102_final.mp3
  • Episode #101: Playoff Post Mortem
    by Full Press Coverage on May 17, 2022 at 6:11 am

    The 2022 AHL Calder Cup Playoffs are in full swing, with (almost) two […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/49826649/the_calder_farmstead_episode_101_final.mp3

Front Range Hockey

  • Episode #102: French or Silence
    by Full Press Coverage on May 21, 2022 at 5:46 am

    The AHL Divisional Semifinals have concluded, and now, only eight teams […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/49884050/the_calder_farmstead_episode_102_final.mp3
  • Episode #101: Playoff Post Mortem
    by Full Press Coverage on May 17, 2022 at 6:11 am

    The 2022 AHL Calder Cup Playoffs are in full swing, with (almost) two […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/49826649/the_calder_farmstead_episode_101_final.mp3

Section

  • Ep 60: #KrejciForever and Raised Expectations
    by Full Press Coverage on May 4, 2021 at 9:23 pm

    Ian and Chris talk about the Bruins post trade deadline turnaround and […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/32832621/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-4-4%2F5fff8870-3e65-c0ca-e920-87f009fd80b8.mp3
  • Ep 59: Bruins Swing Big At Trade Deadline
    by Full Press Coverage on April 12, 2021 at 9:48 pm

    Ian and Chris welcome in Mike Cratty to discuss the trade acquisitions of […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/31287822/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-3-12%2Ff58714b8-6022-3934-eaa5-6290cfb68d8c.mp3

FPC Radio LIVE

  • Celtics Rebound In Game Two; Series Heads To Boston
    by Full Press Coverage on May 21, 2022 at 11:00 am

    Ian and John discuss the Celtics big game two win over the Heat as the […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/49878652/fpcradio_5_20_celticsheatnba.mp3
  • Lightning On Way To A Three-Peat? (5/20)
    by Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 4:18 pm

    Ian and John discuss the Tampa Bay Lightning and their 2-0 series lead […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/49878600/fpcradio_5_20_lightningnhl.mp3





Tags: 2021 Stanley Cup FinalRyan McdonaghTampa Bay Lightning
Previous Post

KHL Announces Their Schedule For The Upcoming Season

Next Post

Montreal Canadiens Bid Au Revoir To The 2021 NHL Season

Jim Biringer

Jim Biringer

Next Post

Montreal Canadiens Bid Au Revoir To The 2021 NHL Season

NHL Expansion Draft Projections For The Atlantic Division

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Plugin Install : Widget Tab Post needs JNews - View Counter to be installed
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Auston Matthews

Auston Matthews to The Desert Doesn’t Seem Plausible

May 19, 2022
NHL rumors

NHL Rumors: Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins, Philadelphia Flyers

May 18, 2022
NHL rumors

NHL Rumors: New York Islanders, New Jersey Devils, Vegas Golden Knights

May 15, 2022
New Jersey Devils

New Jersey Devils Key Players Express Disappointment At Exit Interviews

18
maple leafs grades

Leafs’ Grades This Year: Great Regular-Season, Less So In Playoffs

May 20, 2022
flyers draft

The Philadelphia Flyers Hold Pick No. 5 In The 2022 NHL Draft

May 20, 2022
NHL Postseason

NHL Postseason Dissection: Predators, Capitals See Early Playoff Exit

May 19, 2022


  • Off The Post Talks Barry Trotz, Playoffs, World Championships and Combine
    by Off The Post on May 21, 2022 at 9:41 pm

    Off The Post Talks Barry Trotz, Playoffs, World Championships, and the NHL Combine. Some early NHL […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://feeds.soundcloud.com/stream/1272830371-russ-cohen-off-the-post-talks-barry-trotz-playoffs-world-championships-and-combine.mp3
  • Celtics Rebound In Game Two; Series Heads To Boston
    by Full Press Coverage on May 21, 2022 at 11:00 am

    Ian and John discuss the Celtics big game two win over the Heat as the series shifts to Boston.

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/49878652/fpcradio_5_20_celticsheatnba.mp3
  • Episode #102: French or Silence
    by Full Press Coverage on May 21, 2022 at 5:46 am

    The AHL Divisional Semifinals have concluded, and now, only eight teams remain in the 2022 Calder […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/49884050/the_calder_farmstead_episode_102_final.mp3
  • Lightning On Way To A Three-Peat? (5/20)
    by Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 4:18 pm

    Ian and John discuss the Tampa Bay Lightning and their 2-0 series lead over the Presidents […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/49878600/fpcradio_5_20_lightningnhl.mp3
  • 5/20 - Tampa Bay Lightning; Celtics Blow Out Heat
    by Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 1:41 pm

    Ian and John discuss the Tampa Bay Lightning's quest for a third-straight Stanley Cup and the […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/49877345/adv8008062838.mp3
  • HW at Night ft Jim Jackson
    by HW Radio on May 19, 2022 at 3:04 pm

    The voice of the Philadelphia Flyers, Jim Jackson, stops by to join Dave on another episode of HW […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/49863774/15134cea_7747_3346_079b_695b4b80bc8c.mp3
  • Stanley Cup Playoffs Round 2 Preview
    by Full Press Coverage on May 18, 2022 at 12:00 pm

    Jim is back once again discussing the 2nd round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs and what led to […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/BRCM4531609668.mp3?updated=1652886780
  • Ep 29: Stanley Cup Playoffs; Maple Leafs Collapse; End Of An Era For Penguins
    by Full Press Coverage on May 18, 2022 at 4:31 am

    Mike, Jim, and Chris discuss the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Maple Leafs annual […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/49839480/1802450_1652832066262_restream.mp3
All Shows

  • Green Bay Packers: High Expectations in 2022
    by Jesse Hall on May 22, 2022 at 12:00 pm

    The pressure is on! The Green Bay Packers have high expectations for 2022, nothing new for a team […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/BRCM2266342186.mp3?updated=1650484841
  • The Mets Are Rolling Without deGrom and Scherzer in the Everyday Rotation
    by Russ Cohen on May 22, 2022 at 3:25 am

    Despite injuries to their best starters, the New York Mets are still rolling as we reaching the […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/BRCM2266342186.mp3?updated=1650484841
  • Have the Green Bay Packers Assembled a Super Bowl Defense?
    by Russell S. Baxter on May 21, 2022 at 6:33 pm

    It’s been far too long since the Green Bay Packers have fielded a complete defense... has that […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/BRCM2266342186.mp3?updated=1650484841
  • NFL Rumors: Aaron Donald, Nick Foles, Baker Mayfield
    by Ian Glendon on May 21, 2022 at 6:25 pm

    In this edition of NFL rumors, we look at the Aaron Donald contract, Nick Foles potential new home, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/BRCM2266342186.mp3?updated=1650484841
  • Team Commitment Is Key To Tampa Bay Lightning Success
    by Jim Biringer on May 21, 2022 at 3:31 pm

    The Tampa Bay Lightning are showing why they are champions as a key to their success continues to […]

  • Celtics Rebound In Game Two; Series Heads To Boston
    by Full Press Coverage on May 21, 2022 at 11:00 am

    Ian and John discuss the Celtics big game two win over the Heat as the series shifts to Boston.

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/49878652/fpcradio_5_20_celticsheatnba.mp3
  • Lightning On Way To A Three-Peat? (5/20)
    by Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 4:18 pm

    Ian and John discuss the Tampa Bay Lightning and their 2-0 series lead over the Presidents […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/49878600/fpcradio_5_20_lightningnhl.mp3
  • 5/20 - Tampa Bay Lightning; Celtics Blow Out Heat
    by Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 1:41 pm

    Ian and John discuss the Tampa Bay Lightning's quest for a third-straight Stanley Cup and the […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/49877345/adv8008062838.mp3
  • 5/16 - Celtics Advance; Jayson Tatum; Golden State; NBA Playoffs
    by Full Press Coverage on May 17, 2022 at 4:35 pm

    Ian and John react to the Celtics game seven win over the Bucks and Jayson Tatum's emergence. In […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/49833358/adv7848941251.mp3
  • NFL Schedule Release Reaction (5/13)
    by Full Press Coverage on May 14, 2022 at 10:45 am

    Ian and John discuss the release of the NFL schedule.

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/49787037/fpcradiolive_5_13_nflschedule.mp3
  • Tom Brady's New Broadcasting Deal (5/13)
    by Full Press Coverage on May 13, 2022 at 9:45 pm

    Ian and John react to Tom Brady's post-retirement contract with Fox to become their lead NFL […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/49786949/fpcradio_5_13_bradyfox.mp3
  • Celtics, Bucks Game Six, NBA Playoffs, Joel Embiid and James Harden (5/13)
    by Full Press Coverage on May 13, 2022 at 3:38 pm

    Ian and John discuss the Celtics and Bucks upcoming game six, Joel Embiid comments about James […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/49786913/fpcradio_5_13_celticsnba.mp3
  • 5/13 - NBA Playoffs, Tom Brady's New Deal, NFL Schedule Release
    by Full Press Coverage on May 13, 2022 at 3:21 pm

    Ian and John talk Celtics/Bucks and the NBA Playoffs, Tom Brady's new broadcasting deal, and the […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/49787847/adv3909795266.mp3
Full Press Hockey

2020 Full Press Coverage

Navigate Site

  • NHL
  • NHL Rumors
  • AHL
  • KHL
  • NHL Draft
  • Prospects
  • Podcasts
  • Full Press Coverage
  • Shop

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • NHL
    • Atlantic Division
      • Boston Bruins
      • Buffalo Sabres
      • Montreal Canadiens
      • Ottawa Senators
      • Tampa Bay Lightning
    • Metropolitan Division
      • Philadelphia Flyers
    • Central Division
      • Winnipeg Jets
    • Pacific Division
  • NHL Rumors
  • AHL
  • KHL
  • NHL Draft
  • Prospects
  • Podcasts
    • Full Press NHL Pod
    • Full Press Hockey Weekly
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Off The Post Radio
    • Mike Saves Hockey
    • Final Word On Hockey
    • The Calder Farmstead
    • C4 Canucks Podcast
    • High and Wide Radio
    • Fourth Line Hockey Pod
    • Front Range Podcast
    • Sal and Cratty Pod
    • Fantasy Hockey X
  • Full Press Coverage
  • Shop

2020 Full Press Coverage