Playoff Breakout Performers

[canucksfreak19]

For me the most obvious is Reilly Smith. He had a quiet, playing in Florida can do that, really solid season. But his play to start these playoffs has been really great.

Also with his play since returning to the team does Drouin remain with Tampa moving forward? His passing/playmaking is a treat to watch.

 

[Kharlamov17]

Drouin has improved, seems more relaxed. Maybe he finally removed that broom up his ***.

 

[rvelligan]

For the 1st Round.......
Top 3 - Reilly Smith, Jonathan Drouin, and Valdimir Tarasenko.
Honorable Mention - Martin Jones

 

[geschrocks33]

Not necessarily "breakout" performers, but lets toss some credit to Johnny Tavares & Nikita Kucherov. Both of them are playing AMAZING right now.

Also not sure if you consider it "breakout" but John Carlson has been great for the Caps.

 

[TheGriceBoys]

In the East, Tavares is somewhat quietly having a great series. Like Derrick said, Kucherov, and Reilly Smith as well.

Out West, as much as it pains me to say it, Joe Pavelski and Martin Jones are pretty big right now for the Sharks. Jason Spezza is also having a solid series for big D. And then the two-headed monster of Brian Elliott and Tank Tarasenko are taking down the champs.

So maybe not breakout guys per se, but definitely some top end performances so far.

 

[99goals]

I have yet to watch (may not watch till the end) a game but the highlights in the AM reference the players mentioned above.

 

[TanguayFan]

Brian Elliott, Reilly Smith and John Carlson have played over their pay grade so far.

 

[Benn14StarsFan]

Benn & Spezza have been on fire. Benn is only player in playoffs with at least a point in every game...& the Stars are doing this without Seguin in the lineup. Beware once he returns!

 

[geschrocks33]

Guess we should add Thomas Greiss to the list. He played great for the Islanders in that series.

And Tavares again. Holy cow

 

[nohands70]

Benn & Spezza have been on fire. Benn is only player in playoffs with at least a point in every game...& the Stars are doing this without Seguin in the lineup. Beware once he returns!

Again no love for Benn. Last 170 games played, including playoffs, 190 points scored (80 goals, and 110 assists)

 

[TanguayFan]

Benn plays for Dallas, which is the only reason he does not get more love. If he played in any major market or Canadian city, he would rival Crosby in popularity.

 

[geschrocks33]

Again no love for Benn. Last 170 games played, including playoffs, 190 points scored (80 goals, and 110 assists)

I'm gonna be honest, I haven't watched many Stars games (because I hate Dallas - sorry Stars peeps) but watching them in the playoffs I've been really impressed not only with his skill, but the leadership he shows. You can almost always hear him talking to his team, encouraging people from the bench, etc. Has been a very impressive player to watch, and it's a shame he doesn't get as much love as the other "big market" players. I dislike Dallas, but definitely have a fond appreciation for Jamie Benn.