Bakersfield, CA - He's yet to make a guarantee ahead of a playoff game like his uncle Mark Messier but the playoff performer gene may be a dominant allele in his body.
"I don't know if it's something that's in your blood or born with it or anything like that," laughed Luke Esposito following Thursday's practice. "Everyone wants to be somebody who can perform in the playoffs when the pressure is on."
Series tied 1-1 heading into Game 3. First ever AHL playoff home game in Bakersfield. Six thousand people screaming for 60 minutes. Talk about pressure.
Yet, Esposito made his mark, recording two assists and going plus-2 in a 5-2 victory over the Colorado Eagles. Simply put, the 5-foot-10 centreman answered the call.
"I got a little taste of playoff hockey last year with Grand Rapids, so I guess I had a little idea of what was coming," said Esposito. "As the series has gone on here, I've just tried to find my rhythm and find different ways to help the team. It was nice to be able to contribute in Game 3."
CONDORS: Esposito finding his rhythm
"As the series has gone on here, I've just tried to find different ways to help the team. It was nice to be able to contribute in Game 3," said Esposito.
