Ranking the top 30 players in the Stanley Cup Playoffs: Nos. 20-11

With the Stanley Cup Playoffs set to begin Saturday, we rank the top 30 players who will compete for the ultimate prize (2020-21 stats in tables):

30-21 | 20-11 | 10-1

20. Mathew Barzal, New York Islanders Mike Stobe / National Hockey League / Getty

GP	G	A	P	ATOI
55	17	28	45	18:44

Barzal isn't quite elite, but the young Islanders star is capable of breaking a game open at any time with his speed and puckhandling abilities. New York's emphasis on defense doesn't always qualify as must-see TV, but Barzal can singlehandedly make the team worth watching.

19. Roman Josi, Nashville Predators Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty

GP	G	A	P	ATOI
48	8	25	33	24:21

Josi isn't in the Norris Trophy conversation this season after winning the award last year, but he's still one of the most dangerous defensemen in the league. He led the Predators in scoring with 33 points this campaign while averaging a whopping 24:21 of ice time per game.

18. Sebastian Aho, Carolina Hurricanes Mark Blinch / National Hockey League / Getty

GP	G	A	P	ATOI
56	24	33	57	19:28

Aho's presence as a premier two-way center flies under the radar on a league-wide scale. Carolina's top pivot does it all and was dominant last postseason with 12 points in nine games. This year, he enters the dance with 19 points in his final 15 regular-season contests. Expect him to play a huge role in the Canes' Cup aspirations.

17. Brayden Point, Tampa Bay Lightning Elsa / Getty Images Sport / Getty

GP	G	A	P	ATOI
56	23	25	48	18:26

Point's production was down just slightly this season, but he's been known to take his game up a level come playoff time. The 5-foot-10 pivot led all players in goals (14) last postseason en route to the Stanley Cup and has amassed 50 points across 44 playoff outings.

16. David Pastrnak, Boston Bruins Bruce Bennett / Getty Images Sport / Getty

GP	G	A	P	ATOI
48	20	28	48	18:37

Pastrnak is far too high on this list based on his 2020-21 output alone, especially considering he skates alongside a pair of the game's best two-way players. However, the 24-year-old can fill the net in bunches and has a strong postseason track record (53 points in 52 games).

15. Mikko Rantanen, Colorado Avalanche Michael Martin / National Hockey League / Getty

GP	G	A	P	ATOI
52	30	36	66	19:55

Rantanen is done proving he's far more than just Nathan MacKinnon's sidekick. The 24-year-old potted at least 29 goals for the third time in his six-year career in 2021, and what he's done this season is even more remarkable considering it's a shortened campaign.

14. Patrice Bergeron, Bruins Maddie Meyer / Getty Images Sport / Getty

GP	G	A	P	ATOI
54	23	25	48	18:13

Bergeron continues to be one of the most effective two-way centers in the league, even at 35 years old. He controls play at a ridiculous pace and helps generate a ton of offense on Boston's top line. He's one of the most experienced playoff players in the league and will look to guide the surging Bruins to yet another lengthy playoff run this postseason.

13. Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals Patrick McDermott / National Hockey League / Getty

GP	G	A	P	ATOI
44	24	18	42	19:31

We all know what Ovechkin brings to the table by now - he scores goals at will and is the heartbeat of the Capitals attack. However, he enters the playoffs on the heels of an injury, and his goals per game this season (0.53) was his lowest since 2017 and the fourth lowest of his illustrious career.

12. Brad Marchand, Bruins Mike Stobe / National Hockey League / Getty

GP	G	A	P	ATOI
53	29	40	69	18:55

One of the league's most versatile talents, Marchand contributes at an elite level all over the ice and in all situations. The Bruins pest sits third in scoring this season, and whether you love him or hate him, there's no denying that rostering a talent like Marchand is every team's dream come playoff time.

11. Cale Makar, Avalanche Christian Petersen / Getty Images Sport / Getty

GP	G	A	P	ATOI
44	8	36	44	24:19

Makar likely would've been the front-runner for the Norris Trophy if he hadn't missed 12 games earlier in the season. The 22-year-old is easily the game's most dynamic offensive defenseman, but his defensive metrics this year were also off the charts. Thanks to his elite skating ability, Makar seems like a player who can log nearly 30 minutes per night in the playoffs if necessary.

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