The playoffs are the ultimate test of an NHL player's ability to contribute when the games matter most.
The hockey tends to be more physical and tighter defensively; it's hard to win puck battles and even harder to score goals. The pressure is extreme, and even the slightest lapse in concentration can put a player in hot water or, worse, cost a team a tightly contested seven-game series.
In this crucible, it's interesting to see how first-time playoff participants have handled themselves. Some of these players are rookies, such as Calgary scoring sensation Johnny Gaudreau, while others are veterans who have had the misfortune to spend the bulk of their career with a wretched team, such as Jeff Petry.
Who is doing the most at the toughest time of year? That's what this slideshow considers, based on each player's overall performance to date in the postseason. Please note: We have limited the focus to players still in the hunt for the Stanley Cup, so first-timers on eliminated teams are ineligible.
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Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Jonathan Willis
2015 NHL Playoffs: Players Having the Biggest Impact in Their Postseason Debuts
May 8th, 2015 by Jonathan Willis Leave a reply »
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