5 players who will go off in the Stanley Cup Final

By Nick McAdam | May 27, 2018

TAMPA, FL - MAY 23: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals skates with the Prince of Wales Trophy after defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-0 in Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena on May 23, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/NHLI via Getty Images) /

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TAMPA, FL – MAY 23: Braydon Coburn #55 of the Tampa Bay Lightning fights against Tom Wilson #43 of the Washington Capitals during Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Final during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena on May 23, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Scott Audette/NHLI via Getty Images) /

3. Tom Wilson

This may come as a surprise to some, but it really shouldn’t. There’s no doubt Wilson isn’t generally liked by others around the NHL, but he definitely has a real impact on each contest he plays in.

Wilson fits the mold of an enforcer — a grinder and a playmaker at certain points within a game.

There’s no question about his play in the corner and his ability to change the mood of a contest with just one bone-crunching hit. The series against the Blue Jackets is a prime example, as Wilson really stepped up his play on the boards against a really physical team.

Just nights ago in a Game 7 versus the Lightning, Wilson was solid in front of the net. The 24-year-old kept his stick down and got the puck on net. Wilson shined in the third period playing alongside Evgeny Kuznetzov. Barry Trotz has really balanced that line with scoring and physical presence.

Not to mention that the winger also got in a fight with Braydon Coburn which as the contest turned out, proved to be a solid decision.

Wilson’s play is very similar to the play of Michael Ferland a few postseasons ago. Both players were and are all over the place — hitting and putting pucks toward the net.

Wilson’s overall ability to change a contest with a few plays is going to be vital in the Stanley Cup Final. The Toronto native has been doing it very effectively in the playoffs so far, but it should show the most when it counts.

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