With the opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs in the books, theScore counts down the North Division's top five players of the postseason so far in all three positional groups. Players on eliminated teams are eligible for this list, as these rankings are based on Round 1 performances.
Forwards | Defensemen | Goalies
3. Jack Campbell, Toronto Maple Leafs
| GP | GAA | SV% | GSAA |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 1.81 | .934 | 2.67 |
Campbell was terrific in his first taste of playoff action, but he came up short in the Maple Leafs' disastrous collapse to their biggest rival. His playoff showing reinforced the notion he's ready to be a full-time starter.
2. Carey Price, Montreal Canadiens
| GP | GAA | SV% | GSAA |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 2.24 | .932 | 2.62 |
Price continues to elevate his game in the playoffs while maintaining his reputation as the world's most terrifying goalie to face in a must-win situation. Toronto had the edge over Montreal in every offensive category, but Price stood tall enough to spark his team to a massive upset. When the Canadiens provide Price with three or more goals in the playoffs, he's a perfect 15-0.
1. Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets
| GP | GAA | SV% | GSAA |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 1.60 | .950 | 4.6 |
Hellebuyck looked like the reigning Vezina Trophy winner in Winnipeg's stunning first-round sweep of the Edmonton Oilers after a slight step back this regular season. The Jets were continuously under siege in their own end against the Oilers, but not even the league's top two scorers could find a way to get Winnipeg's star netminder off his game. If Hellebuyck can play like this in Round 2, the well-rested Jets are a major threat to come out of the North.