Tony Ferrari goes through each first-round series of the NHL playoffs to find a player poised to put their name on the map.
Tony Ferrari goes through each first-round series of the NHL playoffs to find a player poised to put their name on the map.
The NHL playoffs are always ripe with breakout stars and players – or teams – who defy expectations. This year will likely be no different.
Almost every series has storylines that run deep, and the players on each roster will be looking to make a name for themselves en route to the game’s ultimate prize.
Let’s take a peek into each series and look for some of the candidates to break out and put their names on – or back on – the map in the NHL playoffs.
Florida Panthers vs. Boston Bruins
Anton Lundell, C, Florida Panthers
The Florida Panthers have been in playoff mode for the last couple of months, and Anton Lundell has been one of the integral pieces in that process. Lundell’s play style will thrive in the playoffs, where the game becomes more physical, defensively oriented and messy around the net. Lundell will play in so many pivotal moments for the Panthers against the Bruins, and he will be tasked with winning the depth battles against possibly the best regular-season team in NHL history.
Lundell will play on the penalty kill, tasked with thwarting the Bruins’ juggernaut power play. With the Alexander Barkov line likely getting the matchup against the Patrice Bergeron line, Lundell, who plays like Barkov-lite, will be looking to outmatch the depth lines. The Panthers' chances could go as far as Lundell brings them.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
The Maple Leafs. Just the team getting into the second round.
Listen, if we’re being honest, this series doesn’t feature many breakout candidates. If Matthew Knies finds his way into the lineup for the Leafs, he could be a prime candidate. Nick Perbix is playing big minutes and is technically a rookie, but the 24-year-old isn’t really a guy who will make a massive impact.
The biggest breakout – or breakthrough – in this series would be the Maple Leafs finding their way into the second round. It would be the first time since 2004 that Toronto finds themselves playing beyond the first round. Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander and the rest of the Leafs should be playing on the game’s biggest stage for as long as possible because they are the kind of stars that sell the game. Let’s just see if they get it done before Game 7.
New York Islanders vs. Carolina Hurricanes
Seth Jarvis, RW, Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes are heading into the most important time of the year without one of their best offensive players in Andrei Svechnikov. They will need someone to step up and provide some of the dynamism and offensive punch in his absence. Seth Jarvis could very well be that guy, as the high-octane young forward has shown the ability to do so in small samples. It will now have to be on the game's biggest stage.
Jarvis plays with speed, skill, and fearlessness, which are needed for playoff hockey. He isn’t the biggest player and isn’t a lethal shooter, but the way that Jarvis uses his tools to their fullest extent is what makes him one of the Canes' most dangerous players at any given moment. If Jarvis can find that next offensive level, the Canes' run could be a fun one.
New York Rangers vs. New Jersey Devils
Alexis Lafreniere, LW, New York Rangers
The 2020 first-overall pick has begun to figure his game out at the NHL level. Lafreniere has been excellent with the ‘Kid Line’ in New York, playing with Kaapo Kakko and Filip Chytil. The trio has been able to drive offensive play at a high level, mesh their skill sets beautifully and do more than hold their own in the defensive end.
Lafreniere plays with a blend of power and speed, using his vision and passing ability to find his linemates while still possessing a heavy release and the ability to score on his own. In the playoffs last year, Lafreniere collected nine points in 20 games and did so by coming up big in big moments. If he can continue to showcase his big-game ability with his newfound success this season, Lafreniere could be in for a big post-season as the Rangers look to reach the Cup final.
Minnesota Wild vs. Dallas Stars
Wyatt Johnston, C, Dallas Stars
Possibly the most under-the-radar impact rookie during the regular season, Wyatt Johnston is poised to pop off in the playoffs. Johnston has provided an excellent source of secondary scoring, leading the rookie class in goals as both he and Matty Beniers tied at 24. Johnston has been the second or third-line center for the Stars throughout the season, providing a spark for Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin at various points in the year.
Johnston plays with a brash sense of belonging, unrelenting when the opponent makes a mistake. The Stars’ rookie has been a hound on the puck when on the forecheck or preventing the opposing team from breaking out of their zone. Johnston could be the missing piece as the Stars look to get back to the Stanley Cup final, this time looking to take home the grand prize instead of falling just short as they did in 2020.
Seattle Kraken vs. Colorado Avalanche
Matty Beniers, C, Seattle Kraken
The odds-on favorite to win the Calder Trophy has been the Kraken’s best player at points this season and finished the year fourth in team scoring. His 24 goals ranked second on the team as well. His defensive maturity has been a welcome sign, and his transition and puck-carrying prowess has been one of the most impactful additions to the Kraken roster.
Colorado is the defending Stanley Cup champion, so the Kraken will have a tough time winning this series. Still, if the Kraken push the series to six or seven games, it would be a welcome occurrence as the second-year franchise looks to build on the momentum of an excellent regular season. Beniers will be the head of the spear if the Kraken do it.
Winnipeg Jets vs. Vegas Golden Knights
Jack Eichel, C, Vegas Golden Knights
With so many well-established players on both sides of this matchup, the breakout player could be Vegas netminder Laurent Broissoit. But after dealing with all of the drama and struggles of going through neck surgery and getting out of Buffalo, it’s time for Eichel to reintroduce himself.
Eichel is the true first-line center the Golden Knights have never had when going on their deep playoff runs. He is an elite dual-threat offensive player who will elevate whoever is on his line.
Hockey is better when Jack Eichel is on top of his game. We should finally be seeing that on the biggest stage.
Los Angeles Kings vs. Edmonton Oilers
Quinton Byfield, C/LW, Los Angeles Kings
Much like Lafreniere, Quinton Byfield has seemingly found his game for flashes this season. The No. 2 pick in 2020 has earned some trust with the Kings’ coaching staff and has played with Anze Kopitar most recently. Byfield has the size, speed and skill to excel in the playoffs. If he can extend his flashes of high-end play, the Kings could be in for a deep run.
The Edmonton-Los Angeles series has the potential to be one of the most entertaining of the first round, and players like Byfield will be pivotal in making sure the Kings keep up with the Oilers offensively.
Byfield’s dealt with a number of injuries over his first few years, but the star power has always been there, bubbling under the surface. This year’s playoffs could be the breakthrough.