Clutch Performers: Who’s Driving Momentum in the NHL Playoffs?
Throughout the first round of the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, fans witnessed thrilling matchups, elite performances, and several shocking moments. Two of the Western Conference series went the distance, stretching to seven intense games. Against the odds, both the Dallas Stars and Winnipeg Jets advanced to the second round. These victories were made possible by the outstanding contributions of their key leaders, who rose to the occasion when it mattered most. The opening round reminded us just how unpredictable and entertaining playoff hockey can be.
Mikko Rantanen played a pivotal role in the Stars' first-round success, particularly in a series that held personal significance as he faced his former team, the Colorado Avalanche. While he had a quiet start—registering only one assist through the first four games—he came alive in the final stretch. Over the last three games, Rantanen exploded for five goals and three assists. His Game Seven performance was especially historic, recording three goals and one assist to help erase a 2–0 deficit and secure a 4–2 win. He became the first player in NHL history to post four points in a period in back-to-back games, after logging a goal and three assists in the second period of Game Six. Rantanen completed his Game Seven hat trick with an empty-net goal. His late-series dominance will be critical to Dallas’ chances in the second round.
William Nylander has also been instrumental for the Toronto Maple Leafs, playing a major role in their advancement to round two. He notched nine points in the first round against the Ottawa Senators, proving to be a consistent offensive force. Nylander made an immediate impact in the second round opener against the Florida Panthers, scoring just 33 seconds into the game. He added another goal and an assist later, helping the Leafs take a 5–4 win in Game One. While he flew somewhat under the radar in the first round, his early second-round heroics suggest he’s heating up at the perfect time. Known for his clutch performances, Nylander’s agility and puck control will be key assets in the battles ahead.
Connor McDavid continued to showcase why he’s the face of the Edmonton Oilers and one of the most dominant players in the league. In the six-game series against the Los Angeles Kings, McDavid recorded two goals and nine assists. His impact goes beyond the scoresheet; as a playmaker, he draws defenders and disrupts opposing strategies, creating space for his teammates to capitalize. McDavid’s presence forces every team to adjust, and his leadership sets the tone for Edmonton’s playoff push. His ability to change direction at top speed and manipulate defenders is unmatched, as shown in his EDGE tracking. With a relentless drive to capture his first Stanley Cup, McDavid is poised to elevate his game even further as the postseason continues.
