M-V-P
Alex Ovechkin has carried with him the reputation of being a “playoff choker” throughout his career. Now, that could very well change this season (the Capitals downing the Flyers 6-1 on Monday night helps), but it will take a sustained, multi-round impact to start changing options.
You know who doesn’t have to worry about that label? John Tavares.
The captain of the New York Islanders is on an absolute tear in these playoffs; tallying 6 points in 3(!) games played. To be perfectly honest, this is more of a continuing trend than a hot streak. Tavares has played 16 postseason games as of this writing and is averaging just a little bit over a point per game.
In a league that has seen goal scoring drop precipitously over the years, the fact that the Islanders have a legitimate superstar to carry them in the playoffs gives them an huge advantage over a team like the Panthers.
