It was the kind of goal that made some wonder what got into Savard, but let’s we shouldn’t act like it’s a huge surprise. Savard is an NHL player, first of all, so he’s got legit skills; on top of that, Savard has always had a bit of offensive flair about him.
Back in his final season of junior hockey with the Moncton Wildcats of the QMJHL, Savard was a point-per-game player, totaling 13 goals and 77 points in 64 games. His first year in the AHL, Savard was no slouch when it came to scoring as well, putting up 11 goals and 44 points with Springfield, then the Jackets’ top farm team.
So he can score, but since he got to the NHL, defending his been his forte, though he has averaged eight goals per 82 games in his career, the same number he has this campaign. It was clear to Savard that while he had the ability to create offense, his ability to stymie it for the other team was going to be his meal ticket in the NHL.
“I was mostly an offensive defenseman, but I always played well defensively, though,” Savard said of his junior career, in which he showed enough skill to be a fourth-round draft pick. “That was my main goal, but I always had that (offensive) role. Power play and stuff like that, coaches would put you in a chance to score and create some offense.
“Your role changes through the years. My game had to change too since becoming a pro — becoming more physical, becoming a bigger guy. That’s how I found my way to stay in the league, and if I can bring some offense, I’ll try to do it.”
