No player in league history had ever scored four game-winning goals in a team’s first five contests of a given season until Jarvis’ dagger on the only shot of overtime on Saturday.
A historic benchmark made even more impressive by the fact that three of those game-winners were go-ahead goals in the third period or overtime, Jarvis continues to shine when the game is on the line.
“I want to be a big-time player and I like these moments. I like the pressure,” he said after the win in LA. “When you have a chance and the game on your stick, it’s always fun. To be trusted in these moments, and to capitalize like I have, it’s awesome.”
This is no flash in the pan, either – among those drafted in 2020, Jarvis ranks second in game-winning goals (19) and third in overtime tallies (4), showcasing a growing clutch gene that has become a hallmark of his game.
“He’s a special player in special times. We see time and time again that he seems to be coming through for us,” said Head Coach Rod Brind’Amour.
High praise from the bench boss, for sure, but what he said next might have been the biggest compliment he could give.
“We need all kinds of guys. He’s a different player than (Jordan Staal), but just as valuable.”
Staal, Carolina’s captain during seven of Brind’Amour’s eight seasons behind the bench, has long been the cloth from which the coach would like all of his players to be cut. Dependable, consistent and responsible, what he lacks in flash he more than makes up for in substance.
Jarvis’ game may look different than that of his captain, but the pillars on which it is built are exactly what Brind’Amour is looking for.
