Ranking the Top Stars in the 2016 NHL Playoffs
The list of significant injuries heading into the 2016 NHL playoffs is painful.
There is a good chance we'll be enjoying this spring hockey fling with no Steven Stamkos sightings and an absence of Evgeni Malkin. That would be a shame.
But plenty of stars are healthy enough to take part in the action, and we're betting all 20 of the names we mention here will have some sort of impact on their team's fate over the coming weeks. These guys are game-breakers who can win a tight contest with their offensive abilities, steal one with their goaltending prowess or even keep others in check with their supreme defensive dedication.
Read ahead for my list of the top 20 stars of this year's Stanley Cup playoffs, based on their performance in the regular season, their career achievements and their overall skill and star power. It's a somewhat subjective exercise, so do leave your own rankings in the comments and debate the merits of those left off this one.
20. Jeff Carter, Los Angeles Kings
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2015-16 numbers: 77 games, 24 goals, 38 assists, 62 points
Career hardware collection: Stanley Cup ring (2)
In brief: Jeff Carter is the model of consistency as a goal scorer, putting together his ninth straight 20-goal season this year while helping the Kings get back to the playoffs this spring. He is crucial as a second-line center behind Anze Kopitar, giving the Kings solid depth down the middle—something every other NHL franchise has been trying to duplicate ever since the Kings' 2011-12 championship. It's no coincidence the Kings started winning Cups when he arrived. His shot is lethal, and he was one of the Kings' best down the stretch with six goals and 11 points in his last nine games of the regular season.
19. Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings
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2015-16 numbers: 66 games, 16 goals, 33 assists, 49 points
Career hardware collection: Frank J. Selke Trophy (3), Lady Byng Memorial Trophy (4), NHL Second All-Star Team (1), Stanley Cup ring (2)
In brief: Although the years have taken a toll on his body, Pavel Datsyuk remains one of the most talented and jaw-dropping forwards in the game of hockey. He is magic with the puck even at 37 and has always been aggravating without it because of his knack for pinching it from opponents. Now you see it, now you don't. This could be his last hurrah on this side of the Atlantic, which would be sad for the NHL.
18. Ryan Suter, Minnesota Wild
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2015-16 numbers: 82 games, eight goals, 43 assists, 51 points
Career hardware collection: NHL First All-Star Team (1)
In brief: Ryan Suter led the NHL in average ice time per game for three straight seasons before the Minnesota Wild cut back on his minutes this year to offer more rest. Some cut...Suter still averaged the second-most time in the league at 28:36 per night. But he did manage to put together his first 50-point campaign, which should lead to some more Norris votes for one of the more impressive two-way defensemen in the league. In previous years, the shutdown blueliner had only been missing the eye-popping offensive output. He demonstrated more of that this year.
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17. Corey Perry, Anaheim Ducks
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2015-16 numbers: 82 games, 34 goals, 28 assists, 62 points
Career hardware collection: Hart Trophy (1), Maurice Richard Trophy (1), NHL First All-Star Team (2), Stanley Cup ring (1)
In brief: Corey Perry went without a goal in his first 11 games this season but still managed to finish ninth in the league in that category—and he did it without the benefit of playing alongside super center Ryan Getzlaf for most of the year. At 30, Perry remains one of the game's best snipers. He's also still one of the NHL's most aggravating pests, which might make him a love-or-hate player but doesn't negatively affect his status as one of the league's top stars in these playoffs.
16. Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks
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2015-16 numbers: 80 games, 28 goals, 30 assists, 58 points
Career hardware collection: Conn Smythe Trophy (1), Frank J. Selke Trophy (1), NHL Second All-Star Team (1), NHL All-Rookie Team (1), Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award (1), Stanley Cup ring (3)
In brief: The offensive output wasn't nearly as strong as seasons past for Captain Serious, but you don't get to be as decorated as Jonathan Toews is without earning it. The three-time Cup winner who has been named the league's best defensive forward, the game's best leader and a playoff MVP is still one of the most dominant centers south of the red line. And considering he was just a couple shy of 30 goals, it's not like he was a total bust on the north end of it, either.
15. Claude Giroux, Philadelphia Flyers
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2015-16 numbers: 78 games, 22 goals, 45 assists, 67 points
Career hardware collection: None
In brief: For a guy who has twice finished third in the Art Ross race and is one of the most skilled and speedy centers in the NHL, Claude Giroux receives nowhere near the attention he deserves. But after a stellar playoff push following the trade deadline that landed the Philadelphia Flyers in the postseason against tremendous odds, Giroux may steal some of the spotlight this spring if he can at least make a series of the first-round matchup against the domineering Washington Capitals. It's a tough task, but Giroux has been as voracious a backchecker as he is a playmaker.
14. Ryan Getzlaf, Anaheim Ducks
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2015-16 numbers: 77 games, 13 goals, 50 assists, 63 points
Career hardware collection: NHL Second All-Star Team (1), Stanley Cup ring (1)
In brief: Like most of the Anaheim Ducks, Ryan Getzlaf wasn't at his best in the goal-scoring department. But the big center was tied for seventh in assists this season and helped the once-flailing Ducks get themselves in a row in time to win the Pacific Division title. Getzlaf and usual partner in crime Corey Perry were split up for most of the season, but both still managed to have strong seasons and give the Ducks more depth at the forward ranks. They both made the players around them better—a sure sign of star power.
13. Duncan Keith, Chicago Blackhawks
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2015-16 numbers: 67 games, nine goals, 34 assists, 43 points
Career hardware collection: Norris Trophy (2), NHL First All-Star Team (2), Conn Smythe Trophy (1), Stanley Cup ring (3)
In brief: The reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner, Duncan Keith was absolutely the biggest reason the Chicago Blackhawks were able to come home with their third Cup in six seasons last spring. The big minutes he plays and his critical points from the blue line—both at five-on-five and on the power play—are invaluable to the Hawks. They missed him for a month this season when he had surgery on his right knee, and then down the stretch when he sat out five games of a six-game sentence for a high stick on Charlie Coyle of the Minnesota Wild. His hockey intelligence is off the charts, and he rarely seems to make mistakes, but he is required to miss Game 1 against St. Louis to fulfill his suspension.
12. John Tavares, New York Islanders
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2015-16 numbers: 78 games, 33 goals, 37 assists, 70 points
Career hardware collection: NHL All-Rookie Team (1), NHL First All-Star Team (1)
In brief: John Tavares finished as one of the hottest forwards in the league after a season full of peaks and valleys. He didn't have the follow-up to last year's Art Ross runner-up standing he'd hoped, but he still led the New York Islanders back to the playoffs while maintaining his status as the only consistent producer of offense. No other Islander hit 30 goals. Considering all the changes he dealt with this year with the team's move to Brooklyn, the 25-year-old was able to play some really good hockey.
11. Drew Doughty, Los Angeles Kings
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2015-16 numbers: 82 games, 14 goals, 37 assists, 51 points
Career hardware collection: NHL All-Rookie Team (1), NHL Second All-Star Team (2), Stanley Cup ring (2)
In brief: Looking to add a third Cup ring to his safe, the 26-year-old leader of the Kings also appears to be a lock for the Norris Trophy. He always seems to be under consideration, but voters put more stock in the offensive output from some of the more free-reign roamers than Doughty's restrained and well-rounded game. He averaged the third-most minutes in the league, a fraction behind Erik Karlsson of the Ottawa Senators—but only one of those two guys is in the postseason because of his abilities. Doughty somehow always finds a new level of spectacular when the playoffs start.
10. Jaromir Jagr, Florida Panthers
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2015-16 numbers: 79 games, 27 goals, 39 assists, 66 points
Career hardware collection: Art Ross Trophy (5), Ted Lindsay Award (3), Hart Memorial Trophy (1), NHL All-Rookie Team (1), NHL First All-Star Team (7), NHL Second All-Star Team (1), Stanley Cup ring (2)
In brief: Jaromir Jagr is a living legend. It's hard to fathom a 44-year-old being this productive, but because of his tremendous commitment to the game and his fitness, Jagr had yet another 20-goal, 60-point campaign to help the young Florida Panthers get into the playoffs for just the second time in 15 seasons. He's not the 100-point man of his prime, but he is likely the team's MVP this year because of his efforts in mentoring linemates Aleksander Barkov and Jonathan Huberdeau, as well as his ability to keep control of the puck and patiently wait for opportunities. He ranks third behind Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier on the NHL's all-time scoring list but will rest right under The Great One by the time he wraps up his career—unless he retires after winning the Cup this spring.
9. Vladimir Tarasenko, St. Louis Blues
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2015-16 numbers: 80 games, 40 goals, 34 assists, 74 points
Career hardware collection: NHL Second All-Star Team (1)
In brief: One of the league's fastest-rising superstars, Vladimir Tarasenko is a blazing fast, deftly talented scorer who can do everything at high speed. At 24 and with less than three full seasons of NHL experience, he has already scored more than 100 goals and 200 points. He hit the 40-goal mark for the first time in a season as the St. Louis Blues relied heavily on him for production because of a rash of injuries to top forwards. Tarasenko didn't shy away from the responsibility and set a new career high in points as well. He's the kind of player who could help steal a playoff series.
8. Tyler Seguin, Dallas Stars
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2015-16 numbers: 72 games, 33 goals, 40 assists, 73 points
Career hardware collection: Stanley Cup ring (1)
In brief: Tyler Seguin somewhat plays second fiddle to Stars captain Jamie Benn, partially because the former has more trouble staying healthy and the latter has been first and second in the points race the past two years. But the former Boston Bruins second overall pick has become one of the NHL's most impressive offensive playmakers in his three seasons with the Stars. The reason he has such great chemistry with Benn is both are capable of shooting or passing without tendencies to do one or the other. They are unpredictable—except when it comes to the list of scoring leaders at the end of the year. They'll both be near the top for years to come. Let's hope we see him return to the ice soon.
7. Anze Kopitar, Los Angeles Kings
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2015-16 numbers: 81 games, 25 goals, 49 assists, 74 points
Career hardware collection: Stanley Cup ring (2)
In brief: Nominations don't count as hardware, but Kopitar is perennially on the list of Selke Trophy finalists because of his ability to keep the puck away from an opponent. That also leads to strong offensive numbers, and this season was his best statistically since 2011-12. The Kings won the Stanley Cup that season, and because Kopitar has a pair of rings to his credit, the lack of other awards can be overlooked. The Kings were fortunate to ink him to a long-term deal in January, locking up one of the best No. 1 centers in the game for the next eight years.
6. Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers
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2015-16 numbers: 65 games, 35-21-7 record, 2.48 goals-against average, .920 save percentage
Career hardware collection: Vezina Trophy (1), NHL First All-Star Team (1), NHL Second All-Star Team (1), NHL All-Rookie Team (1)
In brief: The New York Rangers are nothing without Henrik Lundqvist. The veteran goaltender helped his team get back into the playoffs yet again despite the utter lack of star power among the forward ranks. Rick Nash missed a big chunk of the year with injury and still the Rangers pressed forward with another steady season from their one true superstar. The Stanley Cup continues to elude Lundqvist, who will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer when he finally packs it in.
5. Jamie Benn, Dallas Stars
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2015-16 numbers: 82 games, 41 goals, 48 assists, 89 points
Career hardware collection: NHL First All-Star Team (1), NHL Second All-Star Team (1), Art Ross Trophy (1)
In brief: The 2014-15 Art Ross Trophy winner finished as the runner-up this season, continuing to improve his personal numbers while staking a claim to a spot among the NHL's best leaders on and off the ice with the Dallas Stars. Jamie Benn is relentless on the puck, surprisingly quick and has one of the best releases on a shot in the league—which is how he reached 40 goals for the first time in his career while helping the Stars win the Western Conference's top seed. The way his profile has shot up the past couple of years, the 26-year-old could be the face of the NHL in a couple more if he continues to improve.
4. Joe Thornton, San Jose Sharks
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2015-16 numbers: 82 games, 19 goals, 63 assists, 82 points
Career hardware collection: Art Ross Trophy (1), Hart Memorial Trophy (1), NHL First All-Star Team (1), NHL Second All-Star Team (2)
In brief: Joe Thornton has been through the ringer in San Jose, being stripped of a captaincy and getting into verbal battles with his general manager. Through it all, he's been a constant for the Sharks and proved this year he's not exactly winding down his impressive career. Big Joe's point-per-game pace led to his best offensive season since 2009-10, and he has garnered some support for the Selke this year because of his 200-foot performances. Thornton remains one of the NHL's best passers and leaders—captaincy or not. His star power would skyrocket with a Stanley Cup win.
3. Alexander Ovechkin, Washington Capitals
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2015-16 numbers: 79 games, 50 goals, 21 assists, 71 points
Career hardware collection: Hart Memorial Trophy (3), Ted Lindsay Award (3), Art Ross Trophy (1), Maurice Richard Trophy (6), Calder Memorial Trophy (1), NHL First All-Star Team (6), NHL Second All-Star Team (3), NHL All-Rookie Team (1)
In brief: There may never have been a more natural goal scorer in the league. Alexander Ovechkin hit the 50-goal mark for the seventh time in his career and captured his sixth Maurice (Rocket) Richard Trophy this season. He has also changed the perception that he is a lazy defensive player, posting a plus-21 rating this year and playing a well-rounded game. He fell just two shots shy of 400 and is a goaltender's nightmare. Ovechkin is the emotional leader of what might be the best team in hockey right now.
2. Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
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2015-16 numbers: 80 games, 36 goals, 49 assists, 85 points
Career hardware collection: Hart Memorial Trophy (2), Ted Lindsay Award (3), Art Ross Trophy (2), Maurice Richard Trophy (1), NHL First All-Star Team (3), NHL Second All-Star Team (2), NHL All-Rookie Team (1), Stanley Cup ring (1)
In brief: Every time you think Sidney Crosby is in decline, he proves you wrong. After an awful October that had early doubts creeping in, the Pittsburgh Penguins captain started a slow burn of improvement that turned into a wildfire come January. Crosby went from off the radar in the scoring race to finishing third and averaging more than one point per game. He may still be the best all-around player in the league, although his lulls have affected that as a consensus. The fact he still has the fifth-best points-per-game average in league history speaks to his legitimacy as a star, though.
1. Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks
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2015-16 numbers: 82 games, 46 goals, 60 points, 106 points
Career hardware collection: Calder Memorial Trophy (1), NHL All-Rookie Team (1), NHL First All-Star Team (1), Conn Smythe Trophy (1), Art Ross Trophy (1), Stanley Cup ring (3)
In brief: The Chicago Blackhawks winger has shot himself to the top of this list thanks to a nearly flawless regular season that saw Patrick Kane become the first American-born player to win the scoring race. The only one to eclipse the century mark in points, he beat his closest competitor by 17. The 27-year-old playmaker has shown he can be the most dominant offensive player in the league if he can stay healthy. He's easily the most exciting weapon in a game that needs more of his skill on display.
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