Welcome to this week’s NHL Player Usage Trends. We are down to eight teams. Not many people predicted the Philadelphia Flyers and Anaheim Ducks would still be around. More gave Montreal and Minnesota a real shot at making it this far. The rest of the teams, Carolina, Buffalo, Vegas, and Colorado, should surprise no one.
Let’s see how lines are shaking out entering the second round.
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NHL Usage Trends for the Stanley Cup Playoffs
Jakub Dobes, Montreal Canadiens
After going 29-10-4 in his rookie season, Dobes has really stepped up his play in the playoffs. He started all seven games against the Tampa Bay Lightning, winning three of the four games on the road. This includes a 2-1 game seven shocker. Montreal was outshot 29-9; Dobes was the difference.
There’s no question who Montreal’s starter will be this playoffs. The real question will emerge in September. Jacob Fowler is the anointed heir-apparent. However, Dobes won’t make this an easy decision.
Does this feel slightly reminiscent of Carey Price and Jaroslav Halak to anyone else?
Jesper Wallstedt & Filip Gustavsson, Minnesota Wild
After Wallstedt gave up eight goals on 42 shots in game one against the Colorado Avalanche, the Wild turned to Gustavsson for game two.
Game two was a window of opportunity for Gustavsson to steal a start in game three. After giving up four goals on 22 shots, head coach John Hynes will have a real decision to make. Down 2-0 in the series, whoever he chooses needs to steal one to have a chance.
Gustavsson played the larger share of regular-season games, 50. However, Wallstedt has started seven of eight playoff games.
I think the odds are slightly better than 50-50 that Gustavsson gets the nod in game three. That said, I am notorious for getting goalie predictions wrong.
After getting the first seven playoff games, any remaining doubts about Wallstedt being the Wild’s goalie of the future are being erased.
Jackson Blake, Carolina Hurricanes
After a solid sophomore season that saw Blake increase his point totals from 34 to 53. He has found a new gear through the first six games of the NHL playoffs.
The line of Blake, Logan Stankoven, and Taylor Hall has been playing as if they are the Hurricanes’ first line. Blake has eight points in the ‘Canes six wins. Carolina has yet to lose in the 2026 playoffs.
Blake doesn’t come with the name value of first-round draft picks. That said, he’s building his own name through sheer force and production. The Blakes of the fantasy world are my favourite type of prospects. The type you have to research and discover, rather than pluck from a top-ten board.
He should eclipse 60 points next season; 65 wouldn’t surprise me, either.
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