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This is THN’s Three Stars of the Week, an ongoing feature in which we pick out the trio of NHL players who did the most damage on the first day of the playoffs. Let’s get right down to business:
3. Evgeny Kuznetsov, C, Carolina Hurricanes
The Hurricanes picked up Kuznetsov from Washington at the trade deadline, and the 31-year-old veteran center immediately had an impact in Carolina’s win over the New York Islanders Saturday, posting the game’s first goal and adding an assist to power the ‘Canes past the Isles. Kuznetsov played just 12:07 in Game One, but he made his impact felt as he generated his 30th career post-season goal and 69th career playoff point. Kuznetsov gives Carolina his admirable playoff pedigree, and the type of depth up front the team needs to go on a deep playoff run, and while his $3.9 million salary cap hit carries through next season, the ‘Canes will be happy to pay it if he continues delivering the goods.
2. Jake DeBrusk, LW, Boston Bruins
The Bruins put the boots to Toronto in the first game of their playoff series, and DeBrusk led the offensive attack, posting two goals and three points. DeBrusk has had a roller-coaster existence in Boston, and although he’s scheduled to be a UFA this summer, the more points he puts up in this post-season, the higher the raise he’ll get on the $4-million salary he’s making this year. At 27 years old, DeBrusk is in his prime, and the more he accumulates points, the better his bank account is going to look this summer. He’s a physical threat and a terrific power forward, and the Bs need him to provide secondary scoring and push them past the Maple Leafs.
1. Frederik Andersen, G, Carolina Hurricanes
Andersen has had health issues that limited him to 16 regular-season games this year, but in Game One against the Islanders, Andersen was all but perfect, allowing just one goal on 34 shots to guide the Hurricanes to victory. Andersen is no spring chicken anymore – he’ll be 35 in October – but he’s showing a determination to be a difference-maker and the Hurricanes are the beneficiaries of his strong play. Carolina has a solid second option in youngster Pyotr Kochetkov, but the way Andersen has started the series, he’s not going to be usurped by anyone. He doesn’t have to absolutely steal games, but if Andersen can just keep Carolina close to their opponent, the ‘Canes players have more than enough offense to win games and playoff series. Andersen is doing his part, and now it’s on Carolina’s skaters to do their job.
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News Summary:
- NHL Three Stars: Bruins' DeBrusk Secures Opening Win While Hurricanes' Andersen and Kuznetsov Put Round One on Notice
- Check all news and articles from the latest NHL updates.