The initial round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs delivered thrilling hockey action. Two series in the Western Conference were pushed to a full seven games. Both the Dallas Stars and Winnipeg Jets managed to advance to the next round despite facing significant pressure late in their decisive Game 7s.
Numerous spectacular individual performances were pivotal in helping teams move forward to the second round. Dallas Stars winger Mikko Rantanen, for instance, dramatically altered the course of his team`s series against the Colorado Avalanche.
Here`s a closer look at three of the top individual performers from the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Mikko Rantanen, Dallas Stars
Dallas Stars forward Mikko Rantanen had a memorable first-round matchup against his former team, the Colorado Avalanche. After contract extension talks stalled, Rantanen was traded from the Avalanche, eventually landing with Dallas prior to the trade deadline.
Rantanen started the series quietly, recording only one assist through the first four games. However, he delivered an exceptional performance over the final three games, accumulating five goals and six assists. His most impactful game was Game 7, where he tallied three goals and an assist, contributing significantly to the Stars` improbable 4-2 victory after trailing 2-0 in the third period.
Making league history, Rantanen recorded four points in a period in consecutive games (Game 6 and Game 7). He sealed his Game 7 hat trick with an empty-net goal. Rantanen truly rose to the occasion and played a crucial role in the Stars` advancement.
Anthony Stolarz, Toronto Maple Leafs
Goaltender Anthony Stolarz, who has primarily served as a backup in his NHL career, seized his opportunity when the Stanley Cup Playoffs began for the Maple Leafs. Given the starting nod against Ottawa, Stolarz proved to be a reliable presence in net.
Over six games, Stolarz posted a solid 2.21 goals-against average and a .901 save percentage, winning four of his starts. He demonstrated consistency by allowing two or fewer goals in five out of the six first-round games. In the series-clinching game, Stolarz was particularly strong in the third period, stopping 11 of the final 12 shots he faced. Allowing only a combined four goals in the final two games helped the Maple Leafs avoid a Game 7.
Despite having only one previous career playoff appearance, Stolarz successfully anchored the Maple Leafs` net when they needed it most.
Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers faced a challenging start to their opening series, losing their first two games and being significantly outscored. However, the presence of a player like Connor McDavid meant they were always capable of turning things around.
McDavid finished the six-game series with two goals and nine assists, showcasing his exceptional playmaking abilities throughout. He recorded three multi-point performances, consistently impacting the game. Facing a daunting 2-0 series deficit, McDavid stepped up in Game 3, contributing a goal and two assists, including the primary assist on the game-tying goal, as the Oilers secured a crucial 7-4 win to shift momentum.
McDavid consistently performs brilliantly under pressure. While his impact isn`t always measured solely in goals, his ability to influence the game in multiple ways keeps opponents constantly challenged, as the Kings experienced in the first round.
