Through two games in Dallas' best-of-seven series against the Calgary Flames, Raffl's emerged as one of the team's most noticeable players and was a key piece in a 2-0 victory in Game 2.
"What he did the other night, sticking up for John Klingberg] when he got hit, sent a strong message to not only their team, but our team," said Stars head coach Rick Bowness. "When we say 'all in,' that's 'all in.' That's not Michael's character, but he's a team player, and he's all in. As is Luke Glendening, the guys we brought in."
According to his fight log on HockeyFights.com, his scrap with Tkachuk was just the eighth fighting major of his nine-year career, which includes 590 regular-season games and 34 more in the playoffs. The seldom fighter held his own against Tkachuk, feeding the Flames forward a steady dose of lefts.
"You have to do what you have to do," Raffl said after Game 1. "Maybe get the boys going a little bit. Get yourself into the game. You have to do what it takes to find a way to win."
Raffl, along with linemates Jamie Benn and Denis Gurianov, have been heavy on the forecheck. Raffl had four hits in Game 1, four more in Game 2 and added an empty-net goal to give the Stars a split on the road against the top team in the Pacific Division.
"He had a great game," Bowness said. "I was glad to see that puck go into the empty net. Michael's very dependable at both sides of the ice, and he's one of our best forwards at getting the puck in the o-zone and hanging onto it trying to make plays. I'm happy to see him get that goal."
Asked if he hoped Raffl would've taken a shot at the empty net earlier in the play, Bowness never had a doubt.
"I trust his poise with the puck," he said with a smile. "He knew he had a step on [Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin]. He knows how big and strong he is."
Every year, a player comes to life in the playoffs. And it's not even just about points. It's a moment like in Game 1 when Raffl stood up for his teammate. Or a big hit or key blocked shot. Those are plays that could pay dividends in what the Stars hope is a deep postseason run.
"It's playoff hockey," Raffl said. "Hopefully it's going to be a long series. The more you get on the body, the more the other team wears down. It could be the difference down the road. They were physical, we were physical. You have to take the positives and move on."
This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club.
Kyle Shohara is the Digital Manager for DallasStars.com and writes about the Stars/NHL. Follow him on Twitter [@kyleshohara.
