The Stanley Cup Playoffs are underway with more overtimes than you can shake a composite stick at. While staying up for some free hockey may disrupt the sleep patterns of the fans, playoff overtime is well worth the trip.
The players that are missing out on the postseason fun will attempt to cloak their shame with fantastic vacations and exotic golf trips. Some will fade into obscurity until training camps or free agency, while we are left wondering how some of the missing stars might so if they were able to slip into the Stanley Cup tournament.
The NHL playoffs never disappoint and rarely leave us wanting more, but here are the top NHL stars that we’ll miss.
Phil Kessel, Toronto Maple Leafs
No player epitomized the Toronto late-season collapse as well as Kessel, the Leafs’ leading scorer. Though he finished in near the top of the NHL scoring table, Kessel was almost invisible down the stretch while his club was in their tailspin.
Taylor Hall, Edmonton Oilers
We are quickly reaching the point where it is time to feel sorry for Hall and the cross that he bears in Edmonton. The 2010 first overall pick has shown that when he can stay healthy, he is one of the elite players in the league. The question now is how long will he stay an Oiler if they continue to suck?
Alexander Ovechkin, Washington Capitals
The NHL’s leading goal scorer is on the sidelines during the playoffs for the first time since his rookie year in 2007. While his goal-scoring feats were impressive, Ovechkin’s -35 was just as abominable. Perhaps getting back on defense once in a blue moon could improve Washington’s chances of getting back to the playoffs. We'll still miss seeing those lazer-beam one-timers and the end-to-end rushes from the exciting Russian sniper.
Erik Karlsson, Ottawa Senators
While Ottawa was one of the more disappointing teams of the year, Karlsson bounced back nicely after fully recovering from his Achilles injury. He finished as the top scorer among all defensemen and is one of the NHL’s premier point men on the power play.
Jaromir Jagr, New Jersey Devils
Ageless Jagr continues to impress at age 42. His Devils couldn’t score enough to get to the postseason, but it would have been nice to see Jagr back in the playoffs. There are still some rabbits left in his hat and we’ll see where Jagr ends up this summer in free agency.
Cory Schneider, New Jersey Devils
After taking over the starting spot from Martin Brodeur, Schneider did his best to carry the Devils into the playoffs. Unfortunately a goal-scoring embargo ensured that the Devils would miss the playoffs for the second straight year.
Shea Weber, Nashville Predators
One of the few bright spots for the Predators this season, Weber re-established himself as one of the top defensemen in the NHL. He led Nashville in almost every significant statistical category, but wasn’t able to get the Preds to the playoffs or save (former) coach Barry Trotz’ job.
Sean Monahan, Calgary Flames
The Calgary rookie finished third in goal scoring among first year players with 22. The 19-year old center has shown significant growth all season and gives the Calgary faithful hope for the future. There isn't much Calgary Flames hockey to be found on most North American television outlets, so do yourself a favor and look up Monahan's highlights from this season to get an idea of how good he is now and how great he'll be in the future.
Blake Wheeler, Winnipeg Jets
Aside from missing the playoffs (again), Wheeler had himself a heck of a breakout year. He was included in the Team USA Olympic roster and set career highs in goals (28) and points (69). Winnipeg has some work to do before they are a playoff team, but Wheeler is an exciting part of the Jets’ future.
Kyle Okposo, New York Islanders
The last few years have been the John Tavares show on Long Island. This season, Okposo burst on the scene as a top tier wingman for the Islanders’ franchise center. When Tavares went down in the Olympics, it killed the Isles’ hopes for a playoff trip, but Okposo’s strong play from start to finish can provide a silver (ish) liner to another disappointing season for the Islanders.