Slideshows

NHL: Who will be the best player of the playoffs?

All Buzznews

2022-05-31 12:50:48

The Colorado Avalanche are favorites to win the 2022 Stanley Cup. Nathan MacKinnon is the cornerstone of the Avalanche. In 2021-22, he recorded 88 points, including 32 goals.

Mikko Rantanen

Credit: © Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Mikko Rantanen has also done very well this year, with his 92 points, including 36 goals.

Cale Makar

Credit: © Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

If the Avalanche make a run in the playoffs, Nazem Kadri (87 points) and Cale Makar (86 points) will also be keys to success.

Darcy Kuemper

Credit: © James Carey Lauder-USA TODAY Sports

And let's not forget goaltender Darcy Kuemper, who has dominated this season. Yes, the Avalanche can win!

Jonathan Huberdeau

Credit: © Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

And what about the Florida Panthers, Jonathan Huberdeau. His 115 points practically earned him the title of the NHL's leading scorer.

Aleksander Barkov

Credit: © Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Aleksander Barkov and Sam Reinhart are two other prolific point producers who could be keys to the Panthers' success.

Anthony Duclair

Credit: © Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Let's not forget Anthony Duclair. No one wanted him two years ago, and this season he's scoring goals by the ton, often important ones.

Sergei Bobrovsky

Credit: © Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky is also a crucial part of the Panthers' success. He has lost only seven games this season.

Johnny Gaudreau

Credit: © Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports

Gaudreau, Tkachuk or Lindholm could win the MVP award should the Flames win the Stanley Cup.

Jacob Markstrom

Credit: © Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports

Many believe it's possible, especially if goalie Jacob Markstrom steals a few. He has collected nine shutouts in 2021-22.

Sebastien Aho

Credit: © James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

The Carolina Hurricanes are a special team, where the work is shared. Sebastien Aho continues to lead the way with 81 points.

Frederik Andersen

Credit: © James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

Frederik Andersen could miss a few games early in the playoffs. If so, he will make a huge difference when he returns.

Auston Matthews

Credit: © Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

The Toronto Leafs are either believers or laughers. If it were to come, playoff success will come through Auston Matthews. He has scored 60 goals this season.

Mitch Marner

Credit: © John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Marner, Nylander, Tavares and Rielly are other important parts of the Leafs success. Will they be able to perform well enough in the playoffs?

Steven Stamkos

Credit: © Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

There's no way to bet against the two-time Stanley Cup champion Lightning. Steven Stamkos scored a record 106 points in 2021-22.

Nikita Kucherov

Credit: © Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Nikita Kucherov has only played 47 games this year for Tampa Bay, yet he has scored 69 points. He's certainly one to watch.

Andrei Vasilevskiy

If Vasilevskiy stands like a wall in front of the net, he will automatically become very, very useful. Maybe THE most valuable!

Connor McDavid

The Oilers have two candidates: Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. They will make or break Edmonton's success, plain and simple.

Kirill Kaprizov

Same calculation in Minnesota. Kirill Kaprizov and his 47 goals will do it all. If the Wild advance to the playoffs, it will be because of him.

Sidney Crosby

Some surprises could happen. If the Pittsburgh Penguins win, Sidney Crosby will still fill a crucial role.

Artemi Panarin

For the Rangers, Chris Kreider, Mika Zibanejad and Artemi Panarin are an explosive trio. Kreider has scored 52 goals this season.

Patrice Bergeron

The Bruins are still thinking about Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand, but the chances of them winning are pretty slim.

Copied!