Blog Playoff Edition #8: Ryan Kesler is the modern day Claude Lemieux

A frustrated Ryan Johansen went on a tirade blasting against Ryan Kesler after last nights Game 2 of the Western Conference, blasting the forward for the way he plays the game. It is true that Kesler is a player that can get under the skin of the opposition. He uses his stick for more than scoring, but that is the way he plays this game. He is today's modern Claude Lemieux. He can score goals, and can neutralize the top lines.

Like him or not, Kesler is the type of player that all teams want, especially during the playoffs. Kesler relishes getting under players skin, and he must be very content to hear that he has done the job against Johansen. However, there are ways to counter Kesler's play, and that is just to take it and carry on. It's hard to not let a player like him get under your skin, but you have to think about team first. Just know that you can draw Kesler in taking a bad penalty, and then that will neutralize Kesler's effect.

The Predator now go back home, with the series tied 1-1. Even though they blew a 2 goal lead last night, and Kesler got in the head of Johansen, Nashville is still in good shape. This is shaping up to be a very interesting series, and it will be intriguing to see how Kesler and Johansen react for Game 3.