St. Louis Blues captain Alex Pietrangelo has been doing it all in this year’s Stanley Cup Playoffs.
In 18 games, the 29-year-old defenceman has two goals and 12 points, while averaging 25:39 of ice time.
From blocking shots to timely hits, Pietrangelo, who has 38 career points in 75 post-season games, continues to be a force for the Blues, who find themselves one game away from playing for hockey’s top team trophy.
Get the inside scoop on No. 27 in this week’s edition of My Top 5.
Five fast fact on Alex Pietrangelo
1. Finding his playoff legs
Pietrangelo’s first playoff game brought out more than a few butterflies. “The first five or six shifts…that was nerve-wracking for me. Your knees knock together a little bit, but after a few minutes, you relax, you feel the crowd’s energy and you are completely focused.”
2. The more the merrier
Familiar faces at the rink have always been a calming influence for the fourth overall pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. “When I have family and friends in the stands, it always makes me more comfortable. I really like having people in the crowd.”
3. Gold standard
Pietrangelo has an impressive medal haul on the international hockey stage, picking up gold for Team Canada at the 2009 World Junior Championships, 2014 Winter Olympics and 2016 World Cup. “Whenever you put that sweater on, you feel that sense of pride you get when you have the chance to represent your country.”
4. Happy Birthday to you and…
Born on January 18, 1990, Pietrangelo shares a birthday with actor Kevin Costner, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, and fellow hockey players Mark Messier and Brian Gionta.
5. Alex’s favourites
Favourite sports idol: Hockey Hall of Fame legend Nicklas Lidstrom
Favourite movie: Remember the Titans
Favourite TV show: Breaking Bad
Hobbies: Fishing and golf
