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NHL Playoffs: 5 sleeper players to watch

By Nathaniel Reeves

Jan 19, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Washington Capitals right wing Justin Williams (14) shoots against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the third period at Nationwide Arena. Washington defeated Columbus 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 19, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Washington Capitals right wing Justin Williams (14) shoots against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the third period at Nationwide Arena. Washington defeated Columbus 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 9, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Anaheim Ducks left wing Jakob Silfverberg (33) attempts to score past Colorado Avalanche goalie Semyon Varlamov (1) in the third period at Pepsi Center. The Ducks defeated the Avalanche 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Anaheim Ducks left wing Jakob Silfverberg (33) attempts to score past Colorado Avalanche goalie Semyon Varlamov (1) in the third period at Pepsi Center. The Ducks defeated the Avalanche 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Anaheim Ducks. Jakob Silfverberg. 4. player. 105. . RW

The star-studded Ducks top line can compete with anybody in the NHL. Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry combined for 125 points in the regular season, while Jamie McGinn added some nice depth with a number of good performances down the stretch following a trade from the Buffalo Sabers.

However, it’s going to take more than just the immense talent of Getzlaf and Perry to succeed in the playoffs, particularly against a very deep Nashville Predators team in the first round. The Ducks have been retooling their roster for that very reason over the past couple of seasons, and a few depth pieces are going to be critical in 2016.

Silfverberg might be the most important player to watch for the Ducks after Getzlaf and Perry. The 25-year-old chipped in 20 goals this season, easily besting his previous career high of 13.

Last year, Silfverberg gained some brief fame with four goals and 14 assists in 16 playoff games for the Ducks. Another such performance would be huge for Anaheim’s chances of finally reaching the Stanley Cup Finals with their current core.

One important part of Silfverberg’s game is what he brings defensively. The line of Silfverberg, Ryan Kesler and Andrew Cogliano often draw the top line of the opposing team, and did a terrific job shutting them down in the second half to key Anaheim’s dramatic turnaround.

Next: 3. Jonathan Drouin, LW, Tampa Bay Lightning

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