Goalless Fisher continues to contribute in other ways for Predators
Predators captain Mike Fisher is on the verge of making history - but probably not in the way he hoped to.
If Nashville wins two of the next three games and Fisher doesn't find twine, he will become the first player to captain his team to the Stanley Cup without scoring a goal in the playoffs (while playing at least one playoff game) since Maurice Richard went goalless in four games (while missing seven) during the 1959 playoffs for the Montreal Canadiens.
Fisher scored 18 goals during the regular season, so it's not like he's offensively inept. Regardless, Predators head coach Peter Laviolette isn't concerned with his captain's offensive production.
"Again, I've taken on questions about Mike," Laviolette told reporters following the Predators' 4-1 victory in Game 4 on Monday. "People will say it's time to produce. He's been unbelievable. He's an unbelievable captain. He's been great in the locker room. He lives his life and lives his hockey life every day in a manner that you would want to follow."
Fisher finished third among Predators forwards with 18:11 of ice time in Game 4, spending the bulk of it matched up with Sidney Crosby. Crosby managed one breakaway goal, but was otherwise contained by the 37-year-old Fisher.
"Mike has skill. I think the second part more than anything, it's will. He's got will. Tremendous will, tremendous heart, tremendous character. He's the heartbeat of our team," said Laviolette.
There was one play in particular during Game 4 where both Fisher's skill and will were on display in the very same moment.
During the second period, Fisher dove and poked the puck forward in the neutral zone to send speedster Viktor Arvidsson in on a breakaway. Arvidsson made no mistake, giving the Preds a 3-1 lead.
Laviolette said Fisher's poke to move the puck forward was "typical" of his captain.
Fisher likely doesn't care at all whether he scores in the postseason, as long as his team is able to win two of the next three games and take home the Stanley Cup.