10 players to watch during the 2016 NHL playoffs
The NHL postseason is a magical time of year. Underdogs will triumph, tears will be shed, brackets will be crushed, and one team will reign victorious. As much as you try and predict an outcome, you truly can't. The first-round starts tonight so it's time to brush up on a few 'need-to-know' players. Thank goodness I made this easy for you. You're welcome.
Jaromir Jagr (Florida Panthers): The 44-year-old has played in 202 career playoff games and shows no interest in stopping any time soon. This year, he passed Bret Hull to rank no. 3 for all time leading goal scorers, right behind Gordie Howe and Wayne Gretzky. There's more to the man than his legendary stats on paper. Ask yourself how much longer will we be able to watch him skate? That is what makes him a must-watch player this postseason. Enjoy every stride he takes and realize you're witnessing greatness. This veteran player is going to prove to be quite the leader for the Panthers during their race for the cup.
Shayne Gostisbehere (Philadelphia Flyers): This Philadelphia Flyers phenomenon entered the National Hockey League with a blaze of glory. The rookie defensemen was instrumental in helping put the Flyers back into the playoff picture. Heading into round one, the Flyers will face the Capitals, a heavily offensive team, forcing Gostisbehere to show us his best defending yet. With the recent passing of team owner Ed Snider, expect a lot of heart, passion, and reckless abandon in this series with the man they call "Ghost" setting the pace.
Dylan Larkin (Detroit Red Wings): You've heard his name mentioned in the same sentences as Jack Eichel and Connor McDavid, but with those players out of the race, it's all Larkin from here. Some consider him the 'key' to the Detroit Red Wings search for playoff success. While Larkin is only 19 years old, he shows maturity far beyond his years. His speed will help him keep up with veterans like Zetterberg and Datsuyk, while providing the Wings with a youthful boost in their matchup against Tampa Bay.
Jonathan Drouin (Tampa Bay Lightning): Last year he was a healthy scratch for 20 of Tampa's 26 playoffs games, but this year, he'll likely start in Game 1 of the first round and have a consistent appearance throughout. While he might not be a fan favorite after his requests for a trade from the very team that drafted him, he may just prove to be the x-factor in the Lightning's quest for the cup. With Steven Stamkos out, Drouin gets to step his game up and showcase his offensive talents. Spending ten games in the minors helped condition him to come back to the big show. He's young, the fans will forgive him, and everyone will be able to focus on his incredible playing style...hopefully.
Justin Williams (Washington Capitals): With three Stanley Cups and a Conn Smythe trophy on his resume, Justin Williams is the guy you want on your team during the playoffs. Dubbed "Mr. Game 7" because of his innate ability to pull through during absolute must win situations, he was a massive pick up for the Capitals this year. Notching seven Game 7 goals over his career, tied for the most in NHL history, he's a player a lot of teams will be trying to shut down. Playing with the Presidents' Trophy winning Capitals and guys like 50 goal scorer Alexander Ovechkin, expect A LOT from this team, especially Mr. Game 7.
Ryan Garbutt (Anaheim Ducks): The Chicago Blackhawks were on a win streak when Garbutt was traded to the Ducks...who also happened to be on a win streak....so basically he's good luck and his personal win streak record rocks. Garbutt is more of a quiet playoff producer. He's on the ice when goals happen, and although there might not be many that he's scored, you'll see him paving the way to the net for the other players on his line. He was underutilized with the Blackhawks, playing on their fourth line but Ducks head coach, Bruce Boudreau, has noticed his talent, throwing Garbutt out on the top line and in the PK unit. Watch him continue to prove to everyone why he was such a great acquisition.
Tyler Toffoli (Los Angeles Kings): Kings Sniper Tyler Toffoli is only 23 years young and has a cup already in the books. Winning Lord Stanley back in 2014, Toffoli has only continued to excel with the Kings. He's a perfect fit for the team, providing them with the speed and offense they need to take on the stalwart Sharks' defense in the first round. The accuracy with his shooting and passing makes for clean plays and brings finesse to each line he's rolled onto. Under head coach Darryl Sutter, who's been known to change the lines for no rhyme or reason, Toffoli will likely play on the famed "That 70's line," joining Tanner Pearson and Jeff Carter, and leading the charge in search of the clubs third cup.
Brent Burns (San Jose Sharks): Lets get this out of the way first; Brent Burns is an animal lover and has owned more than 150 snakes at one time. That's so cool. Now that that's out, this is a name you should recognize as the rumblings for Norris Trophy candidates are discussed. This is his first season back defending the blue line after spending a few years as a forward for the Sharks. Being able to play successfully as a forward is only an asset when it comes to defending. He finished the regular season with 27 goals scored (third most on the team) AND 48 assists -- AND HE PLAYS DEFENSE. Enough said.
Artemi Panarin (Chicago Blackhawks): Panarin signed to the Blackhawks this season after spending six years in the KHL. He's technically considered a rookie in the NHL, even though he has played professionally across the pond in Russia. Some people say he shouldn't be a candidate for 'Rookie of the Year,' because of his previous experience, but he's STILL a rookie. With people like former player turned analyst Jeremy Roenick backing up the 24-year-old, it's likely he'll remain as a front runner for the Calder trophy. Now, why should you watch him? Because he's going to score a lot of goals. He's a threat to anyone out on the ice with him.
David Backes (St. Louis Blues): Missing the last three games of the regular season, he's back just in time for Game 1 against Chicago tonight. He joins a 100% healthy Blues team, which sounds rare for a league riddled with injuries this season. His lines entire purpose will be shutting down Patrick Kane and stopping him from getting on the board. He's a captain. He's going to lead the charge. He's a veteran. He's been there for ten years. Let's hope he puts on a show during the playoffs and the Blues can afford to re-sign him.
