Yanni Gourde
#37 / Right Wing
Height: 5’9” | Weight: 172 | Born: December 15, 1991
Birthplace: Saint-Narcisse, QC, CAN | Acquired: Signed as a Free Agent with Tampa Bay, March 10, 2014.
Assets: Is a true point producer at all lower levels, thanks mostly to his speed and hockey sense. Is also capable of playing two-way hockey and he likes to initiate contact. Can play all three forward positions.
Flaws: Is rather undersized (5-9, 167 pounds) and will need to prove over time that he can continue to thrive playing his aggressive style against NHL opponents. So, he must add a lot of bulk and get stronger.
Career Potential: Solid, versatile and feisty forward.
(Via The Hockey News)
Why You Should Know Who He Is: Gourde is a third year NHL forward and has tallied 73 points (31G, 42A) through 104 career regular season contests. In this, his first full season in the League, Gourde tallied 25 goals (and 64 points) through all 82 contests. This season also marks the young winger’s first Stanley Cup Playoffs experience. Through ten contests against the New Jersey Devils and Tampa Bay Lightning Gourde has compiled two goals and six total points. Gourde has most frequently been skating on the right side of Tampa Bay’s third line to the right side of Alex Killorn (LW) and Anthony Cirelli (C).
How the Caps Can Stop Him: Washington will need to be stout against Gourde and the rest of the Lightning’s offensive depth. Despite being listed as a third line winger Gourde is very capable of playing in their top six and his high-end skill will be difficult to contain. The Capitals’ bottom defensive pair of Brooks Orpik and Christian Djoos will need to contain Gourde and his linemates to keep them from inflicting damage on the scoreboard. Gourde does his best work with the puck so Washington will need to do their best to dominate possession of the puck whenever his line sees the ice.