Feature Photo: Getty Images
A.J. Greer knows that in the pursuit of hockey’s greatest prize, it’s the small victories that build toward the big one.
Hard work has long defined 28-year-old Greer, whose first taste of NHL postseason play with the Florida Panthers this season has carried him all the way to the Stanley Cup Final.
His winding path to this moment includes stints with five AHL teams and four NHL clubs – Colorado, New Jersey, Boston and Calgary – before landing in Florida. All stops marked by plenty of ups and downs.
Greer, however, retained an unwavering in the belief in himself throughout it all.
“When you think you finally got to the top of the mountain, there will always be another challenge, another setback and it’s how you react and how you grasp the next opportunity that’s in front of you,” the left winger told NHLPA.com.
“Don’t overthink it – you’re here for a reason. But don’t get away from the things and the mindset that got you here.”
Greer, the 39th overall pick by the Colorado Avalanche in 2015, certainly hasn’t.
The forward has used his gritty play to great effect in 12 playoff games this postseason.
Skating on the fourth line, Greer has brought relentless energy – delivering hits, pressuring on the forecheck and helping shut down scoring chances.
His first career NHL playoff goal came in Florida’s 6-1 win over Toronto in Game 5 of their Second Round series.
“I felt the hockey gods were rewarding me for playing the right way,” recalled Greer. “A lucky bounce right in front of the net and I had to bury it.”
Greer’s second career playoff tally was the game-winner against Carolina in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final.
For the Quebec-born forward, defence remains priority number one – no easy task against some of the league’s most gifted offensive players.
It’s a responsibility that Greer is grateful for.
“Obviously, don’t get scored on but set the next line up for success whether that’s a good line change a faceoff or goal. Play with no hesitation – the game’s too fast to think. Do your best and have fun. Enjoy it.”
Greer, who came to the Panthers as a free agent last July, undoubtedly has.
Although his name wasn’t etched onto the Stanley Cup after Florida’s win last year, he’s been an invaluable part of a Panthers team now making its third straight Stanley Cup Final appearance.
His contributions haven’t gone unnoticed.
“He’s a keeper for us,” Panthers coach Paul Maurice told the Miami Herald this past December. “He works on all parts of his game, but the base of his game is playoff hockey in my mind. You’ll see it when it comes out. He’s going to play like that all year long, so when the puck drops in the playoffs, he’s going to be able to play that game for a long time, very hard.”
Mission accomplished for Greer, who was this year’s Panthers nominee for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy – awarded to the NHL player who best exemplifies perseverance, dedication and sportsmanship.
After years of wanting to make an impact in the NHL postseason, he is making the most of the opportunity.
“Certainly, showing that I can play against the best players in the world at the most heightened time of year and be an impact. Also, just being part of such a grind every other day playing at such a high level of hockey and intensity. It’s really rewarding and satisfying.”
As for what got him here, Greer briefly mulled the question before answering.
“It would be consistency, attitude and will.”
His game plan remains unchanged ahead of this year’s Stanley Cup Final, a rematch between the Panthers and Edmonton Oilers.
“Every time I step on the ice, my mindset is: ‘Win your shift.’”
