Connor McDavid vs. Nathan MacKinnon: It’s all anybody is absolutely speaking about close to the Western Conference last.
And for good cause — it’s arguably one of the best particular person matchup we’ve seen in a lengthy time, and in Game 1 they delivered. McDavid continued his dominance this postseason with yet one more multi-point effort, his eleventh in 13 playoff video games to present him 29 factors already. Absurd. As for MacKinnon, he placed on the jets for a highlight-reel end and added a helper to earn two factors himself.
So far, so enjoyable for the heavyweight tilt.
It made me curious the place this matchup truly does stand by way of previous celebrity spars. I went all the best way again to 2010 (which is so far as my mannequin goes) and checked out who one of the best ahead was on both sides, what their mixed projected worth was on the time per the mannequin, and what their mixed projected manufacturing was on the time. When individuals suppose “star power,” factors normally come to thoughts firstly so it made sense to incorporate that and never go strictly by GSVA. I additionally checked out the place gamers ranked of their particular season to make up for the distinction in scoring year-to-year.
I mixed that every one to create a “matchup rating” for each sequence on a scale from 1-10, after which used that to find out which matchup was one of the best from every season. The matchups themselves are merely rated by how good the matchup was anticipated to be, however whether or not it truly delivered can also be vital. Sometimes they simply didn’t reside as much as the hype.
Starting from 2010 and dealing our manner towards the current day, listed here are one of the best particular person matchups every playoffs needed to supply.
2010: Jonathan Toews vs. Daniel Sedin (Round 2)
Matchup Rating: 8.2
It’s most likely unfair to characterize the highest matchup on this sequence as simply Jonathan Toews versus Daniel Sedin. Both Chicago and Vancouver have been outlined by dynamic duos and neither Patrick Kane (or Marian Hossa) or Henrik Sedin have been far off from the worth Toews and Daniel offered. At the time, Daniel Sedin was turning right into a top-five participant on this planet and one of many league’s most prolific scorers. He scored at a 111-point tempo that 12 months. Toews wasn’t fairly there on the scoresheet, however his influence at each ends of the ice was starting to turn out to be plain to the purpose the place “top-10 player” wasn’t outlandish. His 61 % anticipated targets charge was the league’s third-best mark. It was a high-end scorer going up in opposition to a two-way pressure decided to cease him.
The Matchup
Average Game Score for the sequence
Toews: 1.75
Sedin: 0.53
Head to go at five-on-five
TOI: 24:10
Goals: 3-1 Toews
xGoals: 57.9 % Toews
In this one, it was benefit to the burgeoning younger middle who dominated the head-to-head matchup at five-on-five — and on the scoresheet. For the sequence, Toews has 12 factors in six video games, highlighted by a five-point effort in Game 4. Daniel Sedin compartively struggled, posting simply 4 factors within the sequence. Some matchups see each high stars thrive or falter. This one was all Toews, a breakthrough sequence that sparked conversations about his league-wide standing. Top 10 may need been underselling it.
Honourable Mention: Joe Thornton vs. Pavel Dastyuk (Round 2)
This matchup was extraordinarily near the one above, that includes two of one of the best facilities of the period. But at this level the 2 30-somethings have been now not fairly on the high of their video games. Still elite, however the edge goes to the 2 peaking stars above.
Matchup Rating: 9.2
On paper, this was trying like top-of-the-line matchups on report. Martin St. Louis had simply completed the season second in scoring with a 99-point marketing campaign, his second straight season above 90 factors. In 2011 he additionally proved to be greater than only a scorer, placing up a few of his finest numbers at five-on-five. As for Ovechkin, effectively, it was a down 12 months — however he’s nonetheless Ovechkin and ranked fourth in GSVA that season. The mannequin nonetheless considered him because the second-best participant on this planet due to sturdy priors. His purpose scoring actually fell off in 2011, however a lot of that appeared like dangerous luck (he shot 7.3 % on the facility play) as the remainder of his underlying numbers nonetheless appeared sturdy. Back then, Ovechkin was greater than a shot. He was a pressure to be reckoned with at five-on-five.
The Matchup
Average Game Score for the sequence
Ovechkin: 1.18
St. Louis: 0.75
Head to go at five-on-five
TOI: 13:07
Goals: 1-1
xGoals: 67.7 % Ovechkin
Sometimes even one of the best matchups don’t reside as much as the hype. In this case, it had extra to do with the crew behind Ovechkin, which folded like a home of playing cards in opposition to the Lightning. The Capitals have been unceremoniously swept by the Lightning, however Ovechkin did his half, scoring 4 factors in 4 video games whereas dominating the run of play. St. Louis had 5 factors, however was outplayed at five-on-five — particularly in restricted head-to-head minutes in opposition to Ovechkin.
Honourable Mention: Jonathan Toews vs. Daniel Sedin (Round 1)
The third iteration of Toews and Kane versus the Sedins featured the Chicago duo recent off their first Stanley Cup win and the twins on the peak of their powers. It was one of the best model of the matchup and would’ve been a powerful alternative over the sequence above — particularly with Ovechkin coming off a down 12 months.
Matchup Rating: 8.9
The solely cause Crosby’s projected worth isn’t increased is because of a whole lot of missed time over the prior two years, which means some fairly heavy regression was utilized. Still, even with simply 63 video games performed over two seasons it was exhausting to disclaim him as the very best participant on this planet. In the 22 video games he did play in 2012, Crosby scored at a 138-point tempo with a whole lot of that prolific offence coming at five-on-five. He was at his peak and now that he was wholesome, it felt like nobody was stopping him. It was a tall order for Pittsburgh’s cross-state rivals, particularly Claude Giroux who had an enormous breakout 12 months scoring 93 factors in 77 video games. His defence was a bit shaky, however his manufacturing was sufficient to make him top-of-the-line gamers on this planet. He ranked fifth in GSVA that 12 months.
The solely factor stopping this from being a real heavyweight tilt was Giroux not fairly being a family identify. That was about to vary.
The Matchup
Average Game Score for the sequence
Crosby: 1.50
Giroux: 2.70
Head to go at five-on-five
TOI: 26:49
Goals: 3-1 Giroux
xGoals: 60.5 % Giroux
Of all of the matchups listed, that is the one which exceeded the hype most — an unlikely outcome given how feverish the Battle of Pennsylvania already was. That had loads to do with the groups enjoying and absolutely the chaos that ensued from sport to sport, however this matchup additionally performed an enormous position.
It was Crosby’s return to the playoffs on the top of his skills and he stored that up by means of the primary 4 video games, scoring eight factors. A celebrity doing that needs to be sufficient, however on this sequence it wasn’t. The Penguins went down 3-0 largely to Giroux. He was held off the scoresheet in Game 1, however dropped six factors in Game 2 and adopted that up with multiple-point efforts in Games 3 and 4. Through the primary 4 video games, he had 10 factors to Crosby’s eight — whereas dominating play at five-on-five, too. Giroux had the sting there all through the sequence, incomes a constructive anticipated targets differential in every sport.
While the Penguins made issues attention-grabbing by profitable Game 5 to make it 3-2, Giroux put the ultimate dagger in with a clutch Game 6 efficiency: three factors, plus-two and a pleasant 69 % anticipated targets charge. All whereas Crosby was held off the scoresheet within the last two video games. Final tally: eight factors for Crosby, and 14 (!) For Giroux.
Six video games didn’t make Giroux the brand new finest participant on this planet as one Philadelphia scribe advised, however it was a particular watch-the-throne second. At a time the place Crosby appeared unstoppable, Giroux proved in any other case with a sequence for the ages.
Honourable Mention: Claude Giroux vs. Zach Parise (Round 2)
At the time, the mannequin considered each Giroux and Parise as top-10 forwards — however the downgrade from Crosby to Parise remains to be sizeable.
2013: Sidney Crosby vs. John Tavares (Round 1)
Matchup Rating: 9.5
To this present day, it nonetheless seems like an utter travesty that Crosby wasn’t the MVP in 2013. He scored the identical quantity of factors as Ovechkin in 12 fewer video games and was ridiculous at five-on-five. In 36 video games he was value 3.7 wins, one full win forward of Ovechkin, and an 8.4-win tempo. It’s the very best on report and it’s the complete cause this matchup is available in with such a excessive ranking. Tavares was nice in 2013, lastly main the Islanders to the playoffs. He put up his second straight point-per-game season and scored a ton of targets, all whereas cleansing up his defensive sport. But it’s Crosby being value 6.3 wins that’s shifting the needle right here.
The Matchup
Average Game Score for the sequence
Crosby: 1.16
Tavares: 0.48
Head to go at five-on-five
TOI: 31:40
Goals: 2-1 Crosby
xGoals: 63 % Tavares
Crosby missed the primary sport, however got here again in time to attain 9 factors in 5 video games. Thankfully, the remainder of the Penguins — particularly the goaltending — got here by means of for him this time. It helps that nobody on the opposite facet scored practically 2.5 factors per sport. It was Tavares’ first playoffs so that you’ll have to chop him some slack, particularly because it was largely the crew letting him down. He scored 5 factors in six video games, outchanced the Penguins and gained the Crosby matchup, however it wasn’t sufficient because the crew nonetheless obtained outscored 7-3 with him on the ice.
Honourable Mention: Jonathan Toews vs. Pavel Datsyuk (Round 2)
Toews was the second-best participant on this planet in 2013, and Datsyuk wasn’t far off. Both have been higher than Tavares and valued above 4 wins, however neither was anyplace near Crosby’s degree, which tilts the scales in favour of the matchup with the Penguins star.
Matchup Rating: 8.6
This matchup could come as a shock given that each different matchup on this record options certainly one of six names: Crosby, Ovechkin, Toews, Nikita Kucherov, McDavid or MacKinnon. But in 2014, the title of second-best participant on this planet was up for debate and GSVA felt each of those two had equal rights to the title. They have been among the many 5 gamers projected to ship over 4 wins of worth, with Crosby, Toews and Evgeni Malkin being the others.
Seguin’s arrival in Dallas was a breakthrough for him and he completed the season high 5 in targets and factors. He shaped fast chemistry with Jamie Benn and the duo rapidly grew to become one of many league’s most feared. Across the aisle was an identical, however extra skilled model with Ryan Getzlaf and Perry. It’s the latter that comes out on high due to his goal-scoring capacity. Perry completed second to Ovechkin in 2014 and earned some very sturdy numbers at five-on-five within the course of. By GSVA, he was neck and neck with Crosby for the league lead that season.
The Matchup
Average Game Score for the sequence
Perry: 1.25
Seguin: 1.03
Head to go at five-on-five
TOI: 35:34
Goals: 2-1 Perry
xGoals: 69.1 % Seguin
Seguin was solely 22, however he already had some playoff demons he needed to combat to show his true value. A robust common season wouldn’t be sufficient. What he managed wasn’t sufficient to out-duel Perry, however it was higher than the scoresheet gave him credit score for. Seguin scored solely three factors in six video games, however was very sturdy defensively, permitting simply 1.89 anticipated goals-against per 60 en path to a 61 % likelihood share. Perry was additionally sturdy in that regard due to the minutes he performed away from Seguin, however he was in a position so as to add some manufacturing to the underside line with seven factors in six video games. He wins this spherical in a sequence the place each star gamers did effectively.
Honourable Mention: Jonathan Toews vs. Anze Kopitar (Round 3)
This is the matchup most individuals would doubtless argue for and I don’t blame them. At the time, Toews and Kopitar have been additionally top-10 forwards — they usually had extra championship pedigree, too. Offensively they weren’t on the identical degree although, which holds this matchup again.
2015: Alex Ovechkin vs. John Tavares (Round 1)
Matchup Rating: 7.4
The identify model worth is there, however a 7.4 matchup ranking makes this the lightest high matchup of any season. The major cause for that comes from the celebrities on the whole simply not shining very brightly in a season the place Jamie Benn infamously gained the scoring title with simply 87 factors. That identical complete in 2022 would’ve tied for nineteenth within the league.
Tavares was one level behind Benn for the scoring lead, whereas Ovechkin remained a point-per-game participant who may rating at a 50-goal tempo. Both have been elite abilities that might simply be thought-about top-10 forwards on the time and, actually, completed fifth (Ovechkin) and sixth (Tavares) in GSVA that season. Ovechkin’s decrease projected worth doubtless stems from a really weak 2013-14, arguably the worst season of his profession. This represented a bounce-back. As for Tavares, he’d been an image of consistency for 4 years now together with his defensive capacity being his Achilles’ heel.
The Matchup
Average Game Score for the sequence
Ovechkin: 0.70
Tavares: 0.96
Head to go at five-on-five
TOI: 62:27
Goals: 4-2 Tavares
xGoals: 50.2 % Tavares
No celebrity duo on this record spent extra time head-to-head than Ovechkin and Tavares did on this sequence and that makes their head-to-head numbers somewhat extra worthwhile. This sequence went the space and Tavares did all he may with this matchup. He even outscored Ovechkin six factors to 5, however it in the end wasn’t sufficient.
Honourable Mention: Steven Stamkos vs. Jonathan Toews (Final)
I took some liberties and bumped this one up because of the status of the Final (the mannequin appreciated Perry greater than Stamkos on the time and he, too, performed Toews). There truly haven’t been that many nice particular person matchups within the Cup Final. This one, with a 6.6 ranking, is the second-best. Neither Stamkos nor Toews are on the peak of their powers right here, however each have been nonetheless top-15 forwards.
2016: Sidney Crosby vs. Alex Ovechkin (Round 2)
Matchup Rating: 8.7
Here it’s, lastly: Crosby vs. Ovechkin. It’s an actual disgrace this story needed to begin in 2010 as a result of 2009’s model of Crosby vs. Ovechkin was most likely the true measuring stick. That’s when this duo was closest to its peak, however this model is a strong stand-in. The two have been the first- and second-best gamers on this planet in 2009 and that was true once more in 2016.
Crosby by no means as soon as relinquished his title of finest participant for the reason that final assembly (although he did have an terrible begin to this season particularly), whereas Ovechkin needed to discover his manner again to the very high after some tough moments. His goal-scoring capacity by no means waned, however a return to driving play at five-on-five was wanted.
At the time, it felt just like the winner of this sequence would in the end go on to win all of it — and that’s precisely the way it ended up enjoying out. But first, they needed to get by means of one another and that made for appointment viewing. At the time, there was nothing higher than Sid vs. Ovie, which after so lengthy nonetheless stood atop the NHL hierarchy.
The Matchup
Average Game Score for the sequence
Crosby: 0.15
Ovechkin: 1.47
Head to go at five-on-five
TOI: 38:48
Goals: 4-0 Ovechkin
xGoals: 55.7 % Crosby
Loads of of us most likely look again on this sequence fondly and it was certainly a traditional, however that had nothing to do with Crosby, who laid an uncharacteristic egg in opposition to the Capitals. Crosby had simply two factors in six video games, each of which have been secondary assists, and was outscored 6-3 for the sequence. Much of that was straight in opposition to Ovechkin who had his quantity with a 4-0 benefit on the scoresheet. It’s probably the most lopsided particular person scoreline on this record and all of it led to an unpleasant common Game Score of 0.15. That’s fourth-line-calibre. The Penguins gained the sequence anyway, a testomony to their depth and a nightmare for Ovechkin who arguably deserved higher. He had seven factors and a 60 % anticipated targets charge for the sequence. Just two extra years and it’ll all be value it, Ovie.
Honourable Mention: Sidney Crosby vs. Joe Pavelski (Final)
Sometimes, you must fudge the numbers a bit to present the individuals what they need. This Cup Final matchup was the precise high matchup of 2016 (the mannequin liked Pavelski), however come on — it’s Crosby vs. Ovechkin. It’s value noting 2016 has the second-best common matchup ranking of any playoff since 2010.
2017: Connor McDavid vs. Joe Pavelski (Round 1)
Matchup Rating: 8.6
Babe get up, a brand new finest participant on this planet simply dropped.
For a decade it was Crosby. Always Crosby. There have been occasions the place Ovechkin usurped the throne, occasions the place his teammate Malkin had an affordable say within the matter, occasions the place another participant’s identify was tossed into the ring out of boredom … however on the finish of the day, it was at all times Crosby. McDavid’s second season modified that — he had arrived. He gained the scoring title with 100 factors and his first Hart Trophy in addition. Like Crosby, McDavid would have worthy adversaries for the throne going ahead — however these moments have been fleeting, too. It’s at all times McDavid and that began this season.
This was his first style of the playoffs in consequence and his first challenger was a San Jose Sharks crew that had simply reached the Stanley Cup Final the 12 months prior, led by Pavelski, a mannequin favorite. McDavid is the explanation this matchup is rated so extremely, however Pavelski is not any slouch.
Pavelski was usually underappreciated in the course of the top of his profession, however he thrived in a manner that’s actually appreciated by GSVA. He was a well-balanced participant that was among the many highest rated within the league within the three years prior. Those priors inform a lot of his projected worth in 2016-17, a 12 months the place he didn’t fairly reside as much as his traditional lofty requirements. Still, he was a powerful two-way pressure who had a giant problem on his palms: the brand new finest participant on this planet. It’s acquainted territory for him contemplating his journey to the Final in 2016 meant squaring off in opposition to the outdated finest participant on this planet.
The Matchup
Average Game Score for the sequence
McDavid: 0.65
Pavelski: 0.68
Head to go at five-on-five
TOI: 25:01
Goals: 1-1
xGoals: 58.8 % McDavid
A participant’s first playoff sequence normally results in lesser numbers. It’s a little bit of a shock to the system, getting used to the depth of playoff hockey. That was true for McDavid’s first style and although his crew obtained the win, he appeared largely atypical within the course of. He gained his matchups at five-on-five handily, however solely managed 4 factors in six video games. These days, he does that in a single or two. As for Pavelski, holding McDavid to only a single purpose over 25 minutes is a win, however he too solely managed 4 factors and was largely nonexistent for the sequence. One cause for which may’ve been the absence of Joe Thornton, making Pavelski a lot much less efficient.
Honourable Mention: Sidney Crosby vs. Alex Ovechkin (Round 2)
There’s a powerful case to be made for one more iteration of Crosby vs. Ovechkin because the go-to matchup from 2017, however this was the 12 months McDavid entrenched himself as one of the best participant on this planet. Add probably the most underrated participant from the 2010s to the fold, plus a decline from Ovechkin, and the selection turns into loads simpler.
2018: Nikita Kucherov vs. Brad Marchand (Round 2)
Matchup Rating: 9.3
Welcome to the primary of many matchups involving Kucherov, which is simply becoming contemplating Tampa Bay’s dominance over the subsequent few seasons and the way central he was to that. It helps that the Atlantic Division was additionally stacked with worthy adversaries. This time round it’s Boston, and — although any member of The Perfection Line would do — Marchand.
Both wingers made their ascent to star standing in 2016-17 with 40-goal, 85-point seasons, however it was the next 12 months the place they went even increased to celebrity standing. Both gamers scored at a 103-point tempo and dominated at five-on-five, which led to some exorbitant win values for the season. Kucherov and Marchand have been trying like two of one of the best gamers on this planet and that’s how GSVA considered them. Only 4 gamers have been projected to supply 4 wins of worth or extra in 2018: McDavid, Crosby and these two.
That made this a heavyweight tilt worthy of a excessive ranking, particularly contemplating the groups they have been enjoying on. This wasn’t only a massive particular person matchup, it was alleged to be one for the ages with two of the league’s finest groups concerned, too.
The Matchup
Average Game Score for the sequence
Kucherov: 0.68
Marchand: 1.66
Head to go at five-on-five
TOI: 12:42
Goals: 2-1 Marchand
xGoals: 53.3 % Kucherov
Interestingly, Tampa Bay and Boston didn’t hassle going energy versus energy on this sequence as the 2 dominant wingers hardly ever shared the ice. It’s what they did elsewhere that issues right here and that was benefit Marchand who gained the battle, however misplaced the conflict. Marchand had eight factors in 5 video games that began with an distinctive Game 1 efficiency whereas Kucherov was largely quiet. That appears odd in hindsight given what he’s completed up to now few Cup runs, however he needed to study what it took to get there first. Against the Bruins, he was held pointless by means of the primary three video games and completed with simply two in 5 video games. He began off scorching in opposition to the Devils, however struggled in opposition to stronger outfits now that he was the go-to goal on Tampa Bay. It was an vital lesson that may take a while to study.
Honourable Mention: Nikita Kucherov vs. Alex Ovechkin (Round 3)
There are some who may consider now we have this one backwards (or that Crosby vs. Ovechkin IV needs to be right here as a substitute), however this was the season Marchand arguably handed Ovechkin because the league’s finest left winger. Of course, Ovechkin’s dominant playoff efficiency this season most likely advised in any other case.
2019: Nikita Kucherov vs. Artemi Panarin (Round 1)
Matchup Rating: 8.9
It’s Kucherov once more, solely this time he’s even higher and so is his crew. After scoring 100 factors in 2017-18, he upped the ante even additional with an absurd 128-point season — comfortably profitable the scoring title. He additionally nabbed the Hart Trophy within the course of as one of the best participant on one of the best crew. Defence was a small subject right here as typically is the case with a participant so productive, however Kucherov greater than made up for it. At this level, it was troublesome to argue Kucherov wasn’t among the many world’s top-three gamers.
It would’ve been very troublesome to discover a worthy foe for each Kucherov and Tampa Bay with the best way the crew performed that season. Panarin’s Blue Jackets didn’t look like they’d be it — Panarin was starting to appear like a future Hart candidate, however there was nonetheless a reasonably large chasm between him and Kucherov.
The Matchup
Average Game Score for the sequence
Kucherov: 0.57
Panarin: 1.18
Head to go at five-on-five
TOI: 14:07
Goals: 1-1
xGoals: 53.4 % Panarin
Once once more, a whole lot of hype for a matchup between two of one of the best wingers on this planet, however not an equal efficiency from each side. Only this time, Kucherov’s crew can’t bail him out after a weaker-than-expected effort. Kucherov was pointless by means of the primary two video games, obtained suspended after which earned two in a shedding effort in Game 4. Meanwhile, Panarin was important to the sweep, scoring some extent in each sport and 5 total whereas incomes a 54 % anticipated targets charge. Those are glorious numbers in opposition to the league’s finest crew.
Honourable Mention: Nathan MacKinnon vs. Johnny Gaudreau (Round 1)
Both gamers completed one level away from 100 in 2019, rising as official top-10 gamers within the league. It’s a barely extra balanced star matchup in comparison with the one above, however neither was on Kucherov’s degree on the time.
2020: Nikita Kucherov vs. David Pastrnak (Round 2)
Matchup Rating: 9.7
Okay, third time’s the attraction for Kucherov. The final two heavyweight tilts didn’t quantity to him doing that a lot, however this time is perhaps completely different. This was a distinct Lightning crew and a distinct Kucherov. His scoring charge went down, however that was within the quest for a extra well-rounded sport.
He had a really attention-grabbing participant on the opposite facet to show that in opposition to in Pastrnak. He was changing into one of many league’s finest wingers himself, all whereas enjoying a well-rounded sport as a member of The Perfection Line. Pastrnak was an elite twin risk and 2019-20 was his massive breakout season the place he scored at a 111-point tempo. Only three different gamers have been increased. Add play-driving capacity to his resume and he was one of many absolute best gamers within the league in accordance with GSVA.
It’s not usually the league’s two finest wingers face off in the identical sequence, however that’s precisely what we obtained right here and it’s what led to such a excessive matchup ranking — the second highest on this record. Thankfully, it delivered.
The Matchup
Average Game Score for the sequence
Kucherov: 2.06
Pastrnak: 1.02
Head to go at five-on-five
TOI: 26:03
Goals: 3-1 Kucherov
xGoals: 73.1 % Kucherov
Finally, Playoff Kucherov has arrived. Pastrnak was nice himself, scoring six factors in 5 video games, however this was the Kucherov present and he was the primary cause the Lightning have been capable of oust the Bruins in 5. Kucherov solely scored another level than Pastrnak, however it was his line’s play at five-on-five that made the distinction. They owned the puck all sequence, even in matchups in opposition to The Perfection Line, which is not any small feat. Winning the head-to-head battle 3-1 with a 73 % anticipated targets charge was essential to victory.
Honourable Mention: David Pastrnak vs. Sebastian Aho (Round 1)
This was not an incredible matchup 12 months after the primary occasion (the typical was 4.3, the third lowest), thanks partially to a play-in spherical that eradicated a few of the league’s finest and brightest. Aho is nice, however he was roughly the twentieth finest ahead that 12 months.
2021: Nathan MacKinnon vs. Mark Stone (Round 2)
Matchup Rating: 8.9
Nathan MacKinnon ascended into the next kind in 2017-18, rising as one of many league’s absolute best gamers — and most fun too. But even then it nonetheless felt like there was one other degree for him to succeed in. The 2021 season was the place he grew to become one of the best model of himself, a well-rounded participant at each ends of the ice that had an unimaginable capacity to create offence. MacKinnon was one of many league’s most prolific level producers once more, all whereas being a dominant two-way pressure on an unimaginable Avalanche crew. It felt like his 12 months.
Standing in his manner was a equally elite Vegas crew although, with top-of-the-line two-way gamers within the sport. Mark Stone was an analytics darling whose worth was finest seen off the scoresheet, however it was this 12 months that he confirmed he can dominate the field rating, too. Stone wasn’t on MacKinnon’s degree, however he nonetheless scored at a 91-point tempo whereas contributing his traditional sturdy mix of 200-foot dominance.
The Matchup
Average Game Score for the sequence
MacKinnon: 0.92
Stone: 0.48
Head to go at five-on-five
TOI: 43:09
Goals: 2-2
xGoals: 54.3 % Stone
After Game 1, it appeared like MacKinnon and the Avalanche had this one within the bag. MacKinnon scored two targets, added an help and was an absolute pressure at five-on-five. His Game Score for the sport was 5.0. The remainder of the sequence, although, was a distinct story. MacKinnon was neutralized till Game 6 and had a complete Game Score of simply 0.5 for the remainder of the sequence. The unusual half is that it wasn’t even Stone doing the neutralizing, as he had a reasonably tough sequence of his personal. He narrowly gained the head-to-head matchup, however struggled to get on the scoresheet himself. At five-on-five he was fairly hit-or-miss for many of the sequence, doubtless attributable to an damage that was noticeably affecting him. It was sufficient for Vegas to get by the league’s finest crew, however it could’ve been good to see each gamers on the high of their video games. A wholesome Stone going up in opposition to Playoff MacKinnon would’ve been a deal with. We didn’t get both for lengthy.
Honourable Mention: Nikita Kucherov vs. Aleksander Barkov (Round 1)
An analogous vibe to MacKinnon vs. Stone: MVP-level scorer faces off in opposition to Selke-calibre pressure. It was shut, however MacKinnon’s status offers that matchup the sting.
2022: Connor McDavid vs. Nathan MacKinnon (Round 3)
Matchup Rating: 9.9
It ought to come as no shock that one of the best is saved for final. This is one of the best matchup on paper since 2010 and it’s not notably shut, with McDavid being a six-win participant and MacKinnon a five-win participant. It’s certainly one of simply two matchups that includes two gamers value 5 or extra wins, the opposite additionally going down in 2022 and in addition that includes McDavid. It additionally helps that each are enjoying effectively above that top in these playoffs, one thing that additionally hardly ever occurs within the postseason. Usually, gamers decline as they face more durable competitors on an even bigger stage. Not these two, who’ve elevated their video games to extraordinarily excessive ranges, making this matchup much more particular.
This is a giant second for the NHL: one of the best participant on this planet going up in opposition to the subsequent finest ahead in his convention. As you may see, it doesn’t occur usually — not with gamers of their primes, anyway. The stars have aligned to present NHL followers a really uncommon deal with with two of the sport’s finest at their absolute peaks. It’s additionally extraordinarily uncommon to see a matchup of this calibre so late within the playoffs. Every different high matchup on this record is from the primary two rounds.
Time will inform if it lives as much as the hype, however Game 1 was very promising towards that purpose. It’s the primary battle between McDavid and MacKinnon. Hopefully it’s not the final.
Honourable Mention: Connor McDavid vs. Johnny Gaudreau (Round 2)
This was the 12 months of star-studded matchups with the highest three all coming in 2022. The Battle of Alberta featured a heavyweight tilt right here after the season Gaudreau had, however that was no match for Playoff McDavid. The common matchup ranking in 2022: 7.7. No marvel this has been top-of-the-line playoffs in current reminiscence.
For these questioning how all the highest matchups since 2010 stack up, right here’s a listing primarily based on a participant’s projected worth and projected level manufacturing earlier than the sequence.
Data through Evolving Hockey and Natural Stat Trick
(Photo: Michael Martin / NHLI through Getty Images)
Where does McDavid vs. MacKinnon land among the many finest ahead matchups since 2010?
Source: Panapanahon News
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