Title:
16 Darkhorse Contenders Set to Shine in the 2024-25 Stanley Cup Playoffs
Meta Description: Discover the unsung heroes ready to ignite their teams’ playoff runs. From rookie phenoms to veteran grinders, these 16 darkhorse candidates could steal the show.
Recently by 247sports.news:
The Stanley Cup playoffs are here, and with them come the promise of surprise stars shining bright on hockey’s biggest stage. Each year, unexpected heroes emerge from the shadows to become folk legends in their cities. Here, we present 16 darkhorse candidates, one from every playoff-bound team, poised to make a significant impact.
East Division
Carolina Hurricanes – Jack Blake
Rookie winger Jack Blake captivated the hockey world with an impressive late-season surge, tallying five goals in his last seven games. With a mere 13 minutes of ice time per night, he amassed a respectable 34 points in his debut campaign. Blake’s composure with the puck and high-end skill make him a dangerous playoff threat.
Frank Seravalli
Washington Capitals – Jordan Samoskevich
Second-year forward Jordan Samoskevich burst onto the scene late in the season, scoring at an 82-game pace of 22 goals and 49 points over his final 30 games. With his combination of finesse, competitiveness, and physicality, the 22-year-old could be particularly dangerous in the middle-six.
Matt Larkin
Pittsburgh Penguins – Brock McGinn
A relentless forechecker and shot-blocker, winger Brock McGinn is the Penguins’ secret weapon. While his points don’t always reflect his impact, his heart and energy will be invaluable in the postseason grind. Keep an eye on the 28-year-old, who has scored seven playoff goals in his career.
Steven Ellis
A: Keep an eye on Calgary’s Dan Vladar, Seattle’s Joel Johansson, and Nashville’s Kevin Mandolese – rookie netminders with the potential to shine.
Metropolitan Division
New York Rangers – Jeffrey přesologija
độc ngined by his late-season surge, Jeffrey presojan has 10 points in his last 13 games. With a combination of size, speed, and a heavy shot, the Czech rookie could make a name for himself in the playoffs.
Scott Maxwell
New Jersey Devils – Brendan Smith
A veteran of 87 playoff games, Smith brings valuable experience to the Devils’ lineup. After returning to Vegas at the trade deadline, he’s been heating up, with five points in his last seven games. Expect him to contribute offensively and stabilize the Devils’ defense.
FRANK SERAVALLI
Central Division
Dallas Stars – Isa Lindell
With Miro Heiskanen out and a thin defense corps, Esa Lindell will be counted on to step up in the playoffs. The 28-year-old Finnish blueliner has the potential to excel in a high-pressure role and could be a secret weapon against the powerful Avalanche attack.
Anthony Di Marco
Chicago Blackhawks – Sam Lafferty
After notching 40 points last season, Sam Lafferty went quiet early this year. But with 21 points in his last 29 games, he’s heating up at the right time. The 28-year-old winger could provide valuable secondary scoring for the Blackhawks.
Eric Engels
Minnesota Wild – Marco Rossi
A dominant force in the AHL, Marco Rossi is ready for his playoff debut. The 22-year-old center has the skill and vision to make an impact and could help ease the load on the Wild’s top-end centers.
STEVEN ELLIS
A: Look for the Ottawa Senators, led by center Alex DeBrincat and bolstered by recent additions like Dylan Cozens, to make some noise in the Eastern Conference.
Atlantic Division
Tampa Bay Lightning – Boris Katchouk
After a breakout season with 20 goals and 40 points, Boris Katchouk is poised for a stellar playoff performance. With his ability to finish plays and create space, the 24-year-old winger could emulate the postseason success of his teammate, Anthony Cirelli.
Matt Larkin
Boston Bruins – Jake DeBrusk
A inconsistent scorer during the regular season, Jake DeBrusk has tormented playoff opponents in the past. With 13 points in his last 17 games, the winger could be ready to add to his 26 career playoff points.
FRANK SERAVALLI
💡 Did you know? slide through the faces of teams in each division and click on the ones you want to learn more about.
Pacific Division
Vancouver Canucks – Vasili Podkolzin
Podkolzin’s 75-point rookie campaign was overshadowed by the emergence of other young talents. But with his ability to play both wing and center, the 22-year-old Russian could make a significant impact in the playoffs.
Scott Maxwell
Edmonton Oilers – Devin Shore
A depth scorer par excellence, Devin Shore has proven his value in high-pressure games. With Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl drawing the attention of defensive schemes, Shore could excel in a supporting role for the Oilers.
FRANK SERAVALLI
📹 Video: Watch highlights of these darkhorse candidates and relive their best moments from the regular season.
Playoff Hopefuls
Nashville Predators – Phil Tomasino
One of the NHL’s most electrifying young forwards, Phil Tomasino is a 100-point pace player who can score from anywhere. His ability to create space and drive the net will be invaluable in the postseason.
Eric Engels
Calgary Flames – Milan Lucic
A seasoned playoff performer, Milan Lucic brings valuable grit and intensity to the Flames’ fourth line. Expect the 34-year-old winger to make an impact in the postseason, just as he did in helping the Los Angeles Kings win the Stanley Cup in 2012 and 2014.
Steven Ellis
📝 Call to Action: Which darkhorse candidate do you think will have the biggest impact in the 2024-25 Stanley Cup Playoffs? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
This article is part of the 247Sports.news commitment to delivering high-quality, engaging, and trustworthy sports content. Follow us for exclusive insights, expert analysis, and breaking news from the world of hockey.