NHL.com writers’ selections include Rangers wing Roslovic, Stars forward Johnston, and defenseman Bouchard of the Oilers.
There are a lot of surprises in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Every season, during the hardest postseason in professional sports, underdog teams and unsung heroes emerge to prominence.
It’s been the same with this one. Halfway through the four-round tournament, local heroes have made their way onto the national scene with clutch performances, and unknowns have emerged as household names. So which players have surprised everyone by becoming household names on the biggest stage?
We asked seven writers and editors from NHL.com to share their favorite unexpected tale from these playoffs thus far, as it’s hard to list them all.
Their responses are listed below in alphabetical order.
Evan Bouchard, Edmonton OilersÂ
Considering how talented the blue liner pool is in the NHL, it is quite unexpected that the Oilers defenceman has been the greatest offensive defenseman in the 2024 playoffs. Bouchard has surpassed Quinn Hughes in the Western Conference Second Round matchup against the Vancouver Canucks, as well as Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche, Miro Heiskanen of the Dallas Stars, and Roman Josi of the Nashville Predators. In 12 games, he has 20 points (5 goals, 15 assists). In addition to his stellar offensive output, he has the best plus-minus rating in the playoffs—plus-10. The 24-year-old, who is a member of Edmonton’s starting lineup, saw action in Games 2 and 3 against the Canucks for 29:59 and 31:24, respectively. — Staff writer Derek Van Diest
Seth Jarvis, Carolina Hurricanes
For the Hurricanes, the forward can and often does do it all. His two power-play goals, five goals, and nine points tied for third place helped Carolina win the postseason. Among strikers, he played 20:35 minutes a game, second only to Sebastian Aho (21:55), and he changed lines with ease. However, after observing him in 11 games this spring, what matters is not so much his skill as it is his method. Jarvis is courageous, even if he was playing with a fractured finger and shoulder issues. He will grab the puck if it is available, regardless of the opponent’s stature. He visits the unclean places with much zeal. The Hurricanes’ identity is greatly influenced by his boldness and optimism, despite the fact that he just wrapped up his third season in their employ. — Senior Director of Editing Shawn P. Roarke
Wyatt Johnston, Dallas Stars
I enjoy following some of the young players from my home city of Toronto, so I was aware of Johnson’s potential when the Stars selected him at number 23 in the 2021 NHL Draft. But at this speed? And this clutch as well? Although the 21-year-old’s career was clearly on the rise given that he led the Stars in goals scored in the regular season with 32, to be a difference-maker in the Stanley Cup Playoffs at such a young age is something else entirely. Think about this: Johnston was unable to enjoy a few beers to commemorate his heroics after scoring seven goals in the Stars’ first 11 postseason games. Not to worry. He became 21 — May 14th is the legal drinking age. In six weeks, he might be sipping champagne out of the Cup if he maintains his current scoring pace. legally as well! — Mike Zeisberger, writer on staff.
Jack Roslovic, New York Rangers
In a March 8 trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Rangers acquired Roslovic because they believed his pace would be a nice complement to Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider and that he could play on a line with them. To be honest, when the playoffs began, I was unsure about how long head coach Peter Laviolette would maintain that lineup. In his 19 games during the regular season with the Rangers following the transfer, Roslovic failed to make an impression. Despite being a once healthy scratch, he finished with eight points (three goals and five assists). Down the stretch, Laviolette had a rotation going for healthy scratches, but Roslovic’s inclusion in that rotation wasn’t encouraging. Roslovic’s pace has greatly benefited Zibanejad and Kreider in the playoffs, so Laviolette was obviously wise to retain him around. Because of his strong skating and ability to lure defenders to him, Kreider and Zibanejad have more room. In ten playoff games, Roslovic has seven points (five assists and two goals). Before setting up Kreider’s first and third goals in New York’s 5-3 comeback victory in Game 6 at Carolina, he had a point in each of his previous five games. In the Eastern Conference Final, the Rangers will need to use his speed as a weapon against the Florida Panthers. We expect him to perform. All that could be hoped for was that he would before the playoffs started. — Senior writer Dan Rosen.
Logan Stankoven, Dallas Stars
For the Stars, the youthful forward has been an energy-packed machine, jumping all over the rink and creating opportunities. In 13 playoff games, he has six points (three goals, three assists), but given the opportunities he has created, it seems like he could have more. Stankoven has moved to the top of the squad and is a versatile player. Very impressive for a 21-year-old who is 5 feet 8 inches tall and has participated in 24 NHL regular season games since being called up from the American Hockey League’s Texas affiliate on February 24. On the other hand, during his recall, with 57 points (24 goals, 33 assists) in 47 games, he led the AHL. In the 24 NHL games, he finished with 14 points (six goals, eight assists). Perhaps there’s no need to be so shocked. — Columnist Nicholas J. Cotsonika
Stankoven has particularly impressed me during the first two rounds of the competition. Despite this being his first trip to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, he has performed admirably and has shown no signs of intimidation. Stankoven has appeared at ease during the postseason’s bruising contests. His call-up from Texas was likened by Stars coach Pete DeBoer to a “deadline acquisition.” You never know how a rookie will fit into the NHL, as DeBoer noted, but Stankoven has adapted well and has shown to be an important contributor for them this postseason. — Staff writer Tracey Myers
Jeremy Swayman, Boston Bruins
Before the playoffs began, I was already aware of the goalie’s skill. Although Swayman had a fantastic regular season, almost matching the Vezina Trophy winner Linus Ullmark start for start, I don’t think anyone realized he would be this outstanding. Not only did he have a 2.15 goals-against average and a.933 saving % in 12 games against strong offensive teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs and Panthers, but he was also maybe the finest goaltender in the playoffs. Despite starting 11 straight games and playing almost every other night, he managed to maintain his physical and emotional health enormous games and travel, which he had never experienced in the NHL. He was composed, cool, and almost invincible at times. We could still be watching him wow us in goal if only his team could score. — Staff writer Amalie Benjamin
