NBC hockey and horse racing analyst Eddie Olczyk discusses the play of John Tavares, the Islanders’ playoff push and the Kentucky Derby with The Post’s Ryan Lazo.
Q: Are we seeing the maturation of John Tavares as an elite player in these playoffs?
A: People who don’t follow the game on a daily basis are seeing what he is that we all see nightly. For anyone who follows the game, we know he’s an elite player and this is what you expect from your top players on the highest stage. He’s been able to do that, but anyone who follows the game or the Islanders isn’t surprised.
Q: Could Thomas Greiss be replaced when Jaroslav Halak is fully healthy?
A: Greiss has played very well and it’s been a long time since Halak has played so that’s a hell of a spot to be in. Until Greiss really coughs it up or has a couple of bad games, and you have someone else who’s a better option, then you go to (Halak) and make the switch.
Q: How do the Islanders counteract the speed of the Lightning?
A: They don’t get enough credit for their checking ability in all three zones. They take away time and space. There always seems to be layers of bodies somewhere when they’re really playing well. (The opponent) can’t just make one play and skate right into it, (they’re) going to turn the puck over and not gain any speed or traction.
Q: What is your process in successfully picking winners in horse racing?
A: Every squirrel finds a nut once in a while. It just so happened that before I became a part of the NBC horse racing team, Doc Emrick would always ask me for my picks and we’d have fun with it. I’ve been fairly lucky over the years. If you can bat somewhere around the .300 range in picking winners, you’re doing pretty well.
Q: Are you going with favorite Nyquist in the Kentucky Derby, or can he be beaten?
A: I don’t know if he’s head and shoulders above the rest of the field, maybe a shoulder considering everything he’s accomplished. He’s 7-for-7 and he’s very tactical and that’s what’s intriguing. I think there’s a little more speed in this race than people are letting on. Mohaymen is a horse who’s going to run as hard and as fast as he can. What separates Nyquist from the rest is his tactical sense. I think he can sit in behind the speed, make one run and I think he can certainly get the distance. But I look at Mo-Tom, who is a stone-cold closer, as a horse who can find his way through traffic and make a run.
