These players may not necessarily win the Conn Smythe Trophy, but Alexis Lafreniere, Wyatt Johnston, Zach Hyman and Gustav Forsling could be essential difference-makers.
The NHL playoffs have arrived at the Conference finals with just four teams left in pursuit of Lord Stanley’s Cup.
The Dallas Stars will face the Edmonton Oilers in the Western Conference, while the New York Rangers will take on last year's Cup finalists, the Florida Panthers, in the Eastern Conference.
There have been a number of incredible performances throughout these NHL playoffs from key members of the final four teams. Let’s take a look at a few players who will be the X-factors for their squads as they kick off their Conference final series today and tomorrow.
These aren’t necessarily the leading candidates for the Conn Smythe as playoff MVP at this point. Instead, they are players who will play a pivotal role in their team advancing to the Stanley Cup final in one way or another.
Wyatt Johnston, C, Dallas Stars
Having turned 21 just over a week ago, the 2024 NHL playoffs have been a true coming-out party for Wyatt Johnston. He leads the Stars in goals, sits third in team scoring, and has found a way to be involved in some of the biggest moments for this team throughout the first two rounds of the playoffs.
Dallas has had the toughest path through the playoffs to this point, having to go through the last two Stanley Cup Champions in their first two series as they took out the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche, with each series featuring games in which Johnston seemingly took over.
Johnston has been a revelation for the Stars as he has brought youthful energy, high-end goal scoring and offensive creation, as well as some speed to a Stars lineup that has a few aging veterans who aren’t the fleetest of foot.
Against the Oilers, the Stars will need to see Johnston take over another game (or two) on the biggest stage of the season so far.
Zach Hyman, RW, Edmonton Oilers
It's impressive to see Zach Hyman leading the NHL in playoff goal-scoring, whether you credit it to his incredibly high work ethic, Connor McDavid’s ability to elevate his teammates or just being a tap-in merchant.
Hyman's 11 goals have been typical "Hyman goals" from around the net, but they don’t ask how; they ask how many.
Hyman won't win any style points with the way he scores, but his willingness to go to the dirty areas around the net or fish the puck out of the corners has made him one of the NHL’s best grinders.
The Oilers have needed someone other than McDavid and Leon Draisaitl to contribute for a long time, as they’ve often more than held up their end of the bargain but haven’t had the help they need deep in the playoffs. Now, the Oilers have a brutish freak of nature who scores by burying rebounds or allowing pucks to go off his backside. That makes a huge difference for a team desperate for depth scoring.
Gustav Forsling, D, Florida Panthers
The Panthers have a half dozen high-end difference-makers, but it’s maybe their most underrated star that must have a big series if they want to dismantle the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Rangers.
Gustav Forsling is the defensive suppressant most NHL teams dream of having on a long playoff run.
Forsling’s game isn’t sexy. It’s not built upon one elite skill or high-end playmaking ability with the puck on his stick. He is a mobile blueliner who plays a fundamentally strong game with intelligent reads, a composed nature and a simple approach to the game. That’s not to say that he isn’t capable of contributing offensively – just ask Boston – it’s just not his go-to style of play.
The former waiver wire pickup who turned into a quiet star will be matched up against the best offensive weapons on the Rangers. If he can lock them up the way he’s done to every other team’s top players, the Panthers may be making another trip to the Stanley Cup final.
Alexis Lafreniere, RW, New York Rangers
The 2020 No. 1 overall pick has finally started to come to life this season, and the playoffs have been no different. Lafreniere is playing at a point-per-game pace in the post-season, helping the Rangers’ potent offense become a bit more diverse and threatening from all over the lineup.
His line with Artemi Panarin and Vincent Trocheck has dominated, coming up big when the games mattered. The Rangers’ top line must continue to be dominant if they plan on battling it out until they are lifting the big silver cup over their head.
Lafreniere has a wicked shot and sick playmaking, and it feels like we are just beginning to scratch the surface.
Lafreniere was asked to step into the lineup as an 18-year-old right as they were beginning to play competitive hockey again. While some blame previous coaching decisions for the stalled development, others want to credit similar decisions for Lafreniere’s emergence.
In reality, sometimes it just takes time for a young kid to assert himself. We are seeing him take that step now.
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