5 players who will go off in the Stanley Cup Final
By Nick McAdam
2. Alex Tuch
The most under-the-radar Golden Knights player — and probably the playoffs overall — is Tuch. The 22-year-old keeps himself quiet from the media and the spotlight of Vegas, but he still contributes a whole lot to the success of the franchise.
Fifteen playoff games have seen the right winger notch six goals and three assists, but the eye test suggests he’s done a whole lot more.
The best part about Tuch at the moment is his pace down the wing and ability to control the puck. The Golden Knights’ power-play is something very special, and Tuch has a big part to play in that.
Crisp one-touch passes have thrived for Tuch as he’s gelled with players such as William Karlsson throughout the playoffs.
The best reason for Tuch to go off in the final is his possession metrics. The American has been above the league average in Fenwick, Corsi and zone start numbers. In fact, the Golden Knights almost double their offensive zone start numbers each time Tuch is on the ice.
Having the puck especially on a team like Vegas is huge because they simply can do so much with their possession. Tuch quietly starts it all a good portion of the time. If he isn’t scoring the goals, there’s a good chance Tuch will contribute a whole lot of helpers if play swings towards the way of the Knights in the final.