Inexperienced Petr Mrazek quickly reaching elite status
Petr Mrazek has done well in the playoffs at minor-league levels. He was a star for the bronze-medal winning Czech Republic team at the 2012 World Junior Championships, and he has a Calder Cup championship under his belt.
But for most players, nothing compares to the Stanley Cup playoffs, and that can create nerves among even the best of the best. The 23-year-old Mrazek either is not like most players or he simply isn't fazed by the big stage, as he looks unbeatable so far against the NHL's best offense, the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Mrazek boasts a .937 save percentage in the first round against the Lightning and is the only player in the playoffs so far to earn two shutouts. The rookie's play in this round has been a surprise to everyone except his teammates.
"I don't know of too many people outside of the locker room or this area expected him to be playing this well," defenseman Danny DeKeyser told M Live. "He's been standing on his head for us and he's been making big saves when we need him to and not letting any soft goals in."
(h/t M Live)
Photo by Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
