Preparation is the key to success for almost anything in life, although in playoff pools it always helps to have some good old-fashioned dumb luck… err, great hunches.
The tried and true winning strategy when you make your picks is theoretically extremely simple, in that you want to centre your selections around which four teams you think will advance to the Conference Finals.
It’s no easy task to predict the entire final four correctly, but even landing two or three can go a long way toward success given the incredible level of parity in the league. The deeper your pool too, the more long shot picks you can incorporate into your line of attack.
The annual Playoff Pool Stats Pack gives you a number of key indicators to help you pick your roster once you’ve decided which teams you like to make deep runs this spring.
We begin with the line combinations and defensive pairings from the most recent game (with various exceptions to include a more relevant lineup), along with the power play units from that same contest. Season-to-date power play averages are also included, to help give you a feel for which guys are generally in there night in and night out.
For each player, we’ve broken down not only career playoff stats – but also his most recent post-season totals. In addition to his regular season stats, we also put in a breakdown of how he’s done since April 1.
See the Western Conference Stats Pack too.
PITTSBURGH PENGUINS
Line combos: (April 25 vs. Devils) Iginla-Malkin-Bennett; Kunitz-Jokinen-Dupuis; Morrow-Sutter-Cooke; Glass-Adams-Kennedy; Eaton-Letang; Murray-Niskanen; Bortuzzo-Engelland
Power play units: (April 25 vs. Devils) PP1: Malkin, Iginla, Kunitz, Jokinen, Letang PP2: Kennedy, Bennett, Morrow, Niskanen, Despres
Season-to-date power play times: Letang, Malkin, Crosby, Neal, Kunitz, Iginla, Martin, Jokinen, Morrow, Niskanen
Sidney Crosby: Career playoffs (33-57-90 in 68 GP); most recent playoffs (3-5-8 in 6 GP, 2012); ’12-13 regular season (15-41-56 in 36 GP); Since April 1 (0-0-0 in 0 GP)
Evgeni Malkin: Career playoffs (32-49-81 in 68 GP); most recent playoffs (3-5-8 in 6 GP, 2012); ’12-13 regular season (8-22-30 in 30 GP); Since April 1 (2-2-4 in 7 GP)
Chris Kunitz: Career playoffs (12-36-48 in 84 GP); most recent playoffs (2-4-6 in 6 GP, 2012); ’12-13 regular season (22-28-50 in 47 GP); Since April 1 (2-4-6 in 11 GP)
Jarome Iginla: Career playoffs (28-21-49 in 54 GP); most recent playoffs (3-1-4 in 6 GP, 2009); ’12-13 regular season (5-4-9 in 12 GP w/ Pittsburgh); Since April 1 (5-4-9 in 11 GP)
James Neal: Career playoffs (3-5-8 in 12 GP); most recent playoffs (2-4-6 in 5 GP, 2012); ’12-13 regular season (18-14-32 in 39 GP); Since April 1 (0-0-0 in 3 GP)
Pascal Dupuis: Career playoffs (12-21-33 in 82 GP); most recent playoffs (2-4-6 in 6 GP, 2012); ’12-13 regular season (20-17-37 in 47 GP); Since April 1 (3-8-11 in 11 GP)
Kris Letang: Career playoffs (10-21-31 in 65 GP); most recent playoffs (1-4-5 in 6 GP, 2012); ’12-13 regular season (5-31-36 in 34 GP); Since April 1 (2-6-8 in 6 GP)
Brenden Morrow: Career playoffs (17-25-42); most recent playoffs (9-6-15 in 18 GP, 2008); ’12-13 regular season (5-7-12 in 14 GP w/ Pittsburgh); Since April 1 (5-7-12 in 11 GP)
Jussi Jokinen: Career playoffs (9-6-15 in 27 GP); most recent playoffs (4-4-11 in 18 GP, 2009); ’12-13 regular season (5-4-9 in 9 GP w/ Pittsburgh); Since April 1 (5-4-9 in 11 GP)
Paul Martin: Career playoffs (3-16-19 in 52 GP); most recent playoffs (1-0-1 in 3 GP, 2012); ’12-13 regular season (6-15-21 in 33 GP); Since April 1 (0-0-0 in 0 GP)
BOSTON BRUINS
Line combos: (April 25 vs. Lightning) Lucic-Krejci-Peverley; Marchand-Bergeron-Seguin; Soderberg-Kelly-Jagr; Paille-Campbell-Thornton; Chara-Seidenberg; Ference-Boychuk; Redden-McQuaid
Power play units: (April 25 vs. Lightning) PP1: Seguin, Soderberg, Bergeron, Jagr, Chara PP2: Krejci, Peverley, Marchand, Redden, Seidenberg
Season-to-date power play times: Jagr, Soderberg, Chara, Krejci, Seguin, Bergeron, Horton, Lucic, Hamilton, Marchand
Jaromir Jagr: Career playoffs (78-111-189 in 180 GP); most recent playoffs (1-7-8 in 11 GP, 2012); ’12-13 regular season (2-7-9 in 11 GP w/ Bruins); Since April 1 (2-7-9 in 12 GP)
Patrice Bergeron: Career playoffs (11-31-42 in 61 GP); most recent playoffs (0-2-2 in 7 GP, 2012); ’12-13 regular season (10-22-32 in 40 GP); Since April 1 (0-1-1 in 6 GP)
David Krejci: Career playoffs (20-27-47 in 59 GP); most recent playoffs (1-2-3 in 7 GP, 2012); ’12-13 regular season (10-22-32 in 45 GP); Since April 1 (2-2-4 in 12 GP)
Brad Marchand: Career playoffs (12-9-21 in 32 GP); most recent playoffs (1-1-2 in 7 GP, 2012); ’12-13 regular season (18-18-36 in 43 GP); Since April 1 (4-4-8 in 10 GP)
Tyler Seguin: Career playoffs (5-5-10 in 20 GP); most recent playoffs (2-1-3 in 7 GP, 2012); ’12-13 regular season (16-16-32 in 46 GP); Since April 1 (5-2-7 in 12 GP)
Milan Lucic: Career playoffs (15-20-35 in 62 GP); most recent playoffs (0-3-3 in 7 GP, 2012); ’12-13 regular season (6-18-24 in 44 GP); Since April 1 (1-3-4 in 11 GP)
Nathan Horton: Career playoffs (8-9-17 in 21 GP); most recent playoffs (8-9-17 in 21 GP, 2011); ’12-13 regular season (13-9-22 in 44 GP); Since April 1 (2-0-2 in 9 GP)
Zdeno Chara: Career playoffs (10-29-39 in 107 GP); most recent playoffs (1-2-3 in 7 GP, 2012); ’12-13 regular season (7-12-19 in 46 GP); Since April 1 (1-4-5 in 12 GP)
Rich Peverley: Career playoffs (7-12-19 in 38 GP); most recent playoffs (3-2-5 in 7 GP, 2012); ’12-13 regular season (5-11-16 in 45 GP); Since April 1 (1-3-4 in 12 GP)
Carl Soderberg: Career playoffs (N/A); most recent playoffs (N/A); ’12-13 regular season (0-2-2 in 4 GP); Since April 1 (0-2-2 in 4 GP)
WASHINGTON CAPITALS
Line combos: (April 25 vs. Senators) Johansson-Backstrom-Ovechkin; Erat-Ribeiro-Brouwer; Chimera-Perreault-Fehr; Volpatti-Hendricks-Beagle; Alzner-Green; Erskine-Carlson; Hillen-Oleksy
Power play units: (April 25 vs. Senators) PP1: Ribeiro, Backstrom, Brouwer, Ovechkin, Green PP2: Johansson, Erat, Fehr, Ovechkin, Carlson
Season-to-date power play times: Ovechkin, Green, Backstrom, Ribeiro, Brouwer, Erat, Carlson, Ward, Johansson, Perreault
Alex Ovechkin: Career playoffs (30-29-59 in 51 GP); most recent playoffs (5-4-9 in 14 GP, 2012); ’12-13 regular season (32-22-54 in 47 GP); Since April 1 (14-6-20 in 12 GP)
Nicklas Backstrom: Career playoffs (14-26-40 in 50 GP); most recent playoffs (2-6-8 in 13 GP, 2012); ’12-13 regular season (8-40-48 in 47 GP); Since April 1 (2-15-17 in 12 GP)
Mike Ribeiro: Career playoffs (5-20-25 in 42 GP); most recent playoffs (3-14-17 in 18 GP, 2008); ’12-13 regular season (13-34-47 in 47 GP); Since April 1 (2-10-12 in 12 GP)
Marcus Johansson: Career playoffs (3-6-9 in 23 GP); most recent playoffs (1-2-3 in 14 GP, 2012); ’12-13 regular season (6-16-22 in 33 GP); Since April 1 (1-9-10 in 12 GP)
Mike Green: Career playoffs (7-22-29 in 50 GP); most recent playoffs (2-2-4 in 14 GP, 2012); ’12-13 regular season (10-13-23 in 34 GP); Since April 1 (5-7-12 in 12 GP)
Troy Brouwer: Career playoffs (6-8-14 in 57 GP); most recent playoffs (2-2-4 in 14 GP, 2012); ’12-13 regular season (19-13-32 in 46 GP); Since April 1 (6-0-6 in 12 GP)
Martin Erat: Career playoffs (8-15-23 in 46 GP); most recent playoffs (1-3-4 in 10 GP, 2012); ’12-13 regular season (1-2-3 in 8 GP w/ Washington); Since April 1 (1-2-3 in 10 GP)
John Carlson: Career playoffs (5-7-12 in 30 GP); most recent playoffs (2-3-5 in 14 GP, 2012); ’12-13 regular season (6-16-22 in 47 GP); Since April 1 (1-4-5 in 12 GP)
Eric Fehr: Career playoffs (5-1-6 in 26 GP); most recent playoffs (1-0-1 in 5 GP, 2011); ’12-13 regular season (8-8-16 in 40 GP); Since April 1 (2-2-4 in 11 GP)
Joel Ward: Career playoffs (10-12-22 in 32 GP); most recent playoffs (1-4-5 in 14 GP, 2012); ’12-13 regular season (8-12-20 in 39 GP); Since April 1 (2-1-3 in 4 GP)
MONTREAL CANADIENS
Line combos: (April 25 vs. Jets) Pacioretty-Desharnais-Gallagher; Ryder-Plekanec-Gionta; Galchenyuk-Eller-Bourque; Prust-Halpern-Armstrong; Markov-Subban; Gorges-Diaz; Bouillon-Tinordi
Power play units: (April 25 vs. Jets) PP1: Desharnais, Gallagher, Pacioretty, Subban, Markov PP2: Plekanec, Ryder, Gionta, Diaz, Subban
Season-to-date power play times: Markov, Subban, Diaz, Pacioretty, Ryder, Plekanec, Gionta, Desharnais, Bourque, Kaberle
P.K. Subban: Career playoffs (3-9-12 in 21 GP); most recent playoffs (2-2-4 in 7 GP, 2011); ’12-13 regular season (11-27-38 in 41 GP); Since April 1 (1-10-11 in 13 GP)
Max Pacioretty: Career playoffs (N/A ); most recent playoffs (N/A ); ’12-13 regular season (15-24-39 in 43 GP); Since April 1 (6-7-13 in 13 GP)
Michael Ryder: Career playoffs (20-23-43 in 70 GP); most recent playoffs (8-9-17 in 25 GP, 2011); ’12-13 regular season (16-19-35 in 45 GP); Since April 1 (3-4-7 in 12 GP)
Tomas Plekanec: Career playoffs (10-19-29 in 47 GP); most recent playoffs (2-3-5 in 7 GP, 2011); ’12-13 regular season (13-19-32 in 46 GP); Since April 1 (0-6-6 in 12 GP)
Andrei Markov: Career playoffs (3-15-18 in 49 GP); most recent playoffs (0-4-4 in 8 GP, 2010); ’12-13 regular season (9-19-28 in 47 GP); Since April 1 (3-2-5 in 13 GP)
Brian Gionta: Career playoffs (31-21-60 in 93 GP); most recent playoffs (3-2-5 in 7 GP, 2011); ’12-13 regular season (14-12-26 in 47 GP); Since April 1 (4-3-7 in 13 GP)
Alex Galchenyuk: Career playoffs (N/A); most recent playoffs (N/A); ’12-13 regular season (9-17-26 in 47 GP); Since April 1 (6-5-11 in 13 GP)
David Desharnais: Career playoffs (0-1-1 in 5 GP); most recent playoffs (0-1-1 in 5 GP, 2011); ’12-13 regular season (10-18-28 in 47 GP); Since April 1 (2-6-8 in 13 GP)
Brendan Gallagher: Career playoffs (N/A); most recent playoffs (N/A); ’12-13 regular season (14-12-26 in 43 GP); Since April 1 (3-3-6 in 13 GP)
Rene Bourque: Career playoffs (1-0-1 in 5 GP); most recent playoffs (1-0-1 in 5 GP, 2009); ’12-13 regular season (7-6-13 in 26 GP); Since April 1 (2-1-3 in 9 GP)
TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS
Line combos: (April 25 vs. Panthers) Lupul-Kadri-Kessel; van Riemsdyk-Grabovski-Kulemin; MacArthur-Colborne-Frattin; Komarov-McClement-Orr; Gunnarsson-Phaneuf; Fraser-Franson; Liles-Kostka
Power play units: (April 24 vs. Lightning) PP1: Bozak, Kessel, van Riemsdyk, Phaneuf, Franson PP2: Kadri, Grabovski, Lupul, Gunnarsson, Kostka
Season-to-date power play times: Phaneuf, Kessel, Bozak, van Riemsdyk, Franson, Kostka, Lupul, Gardiner, Liles, Kadri
Phil Kessel: Career playoffs (9-6-15 in 15 GP); most recent playoffs (6-5-11 in 11 GP, 2009); ’12-13 regular season (19-32-51 in 47 GP); Since April 1 (9-8-17 in 11 GP)
Joffrey Lupul: Career playoffs (14-9-23 in 39 GP); most recent playoffs (1-1-2 in 6 GP, 2009); ’12-13 regular season (11-7-18 in 15 GP); Since April 1 (3-2-5 in 6 GP)
Nazem Kadri: Career playoffs (N/A); most recent playoffs (N/A); ’12-13 regular season (18-26-44 in 47 GP); Since April 1 (1-4-5 in 9 GP)
James van Riemsdyk: Career playoffs (11-4-15 in 39 GP); most recent playoffs (1-1-2 in 7 GP, 2012); ’12-13 regular season (18-14-32 in 47 GP); Since April 1 (4-5-9 in 11 GP)
Tyler Bozak: Career playoffs (N/A); most recent playoffs (N/A); ’12-13 regular season (12-16-28 in 46 GP); Since April 1 (2-3-5 in 10 GP)
Dion Phaneuf: Career playoffs (5-7-12 in 25 GP); most recent playoffs (0-3-3 in 5 GP, 2009); ’12-13 regular season (9-18-27 in 47 GP); Since April 1 (2-4-6 in 11 GP)
Cody Franson: Career playoffs (1-6-7 in 16 GP); most recent playoffs (1-5-6 in 12 GP, 2011); ’12-13 regular season (4-24-28 in 44 GP); Since April 1 (1-8-9 in 11 GP)
Nikolai Kulemin: Career playoffs (N/A); most recent playoffs (N/A); ’12-13 regular season (7-16-23 in 47 GP); Since April 1 (1-2-3 in 11 GP)
Clarke MacArthur: Career playoffs (N/A); most recent playoffs (N/A); ’12-13 regular season (8-12-20 in 39 GP); Since April 1 (1-2-3 in 9 GP)
Mikhail Grabovski: Career playoffs (N/A); most recent playoffs (N/A); ’12-13 regular season (9-7-16 in 47 GP); Since April 1 (1-1-2 in 11 GP)
OTTAWA SENATORS
Line combos: (April 25 vs. Capitals) Greening-Smith-Alfredsson; Michalek-Turris-Condra; Conacher-Zibanejad-Silfverberg; Latendresse-Pageau-Neil; Methot-Karlsson; Gonchar-Cowen ; Gryba-Phillips
Power play units: (April 25 vs. Capitals) PP1: Smith, Conachar, Alfredsson, Karlsson, Gonchar PP2: Turris, Greening, Michalek, Karlsson, Gonchar
Season-to-date power play times: Karlsson, Gonchar, Alfredsson, Turris, Spezza, Michalek, Wiercioch, Latendresse, Conachar, Zibanejad
Erik Karlsson: Career playoffs (2-5-7 in 13 GP); most recent playoffs (1-0-0 in 7 GP, 2012); ’12-13 regular season (6-6-12 in 15 GP); Since April 1 (0-2-2 in 1 GP)
Daniel Alfredsson: Career playoffs (47-43-90 in 111 GP); most recent playoffs (2-0-2 in 4 GP); ’12-13 regular season (10-15-25 in 45 GP); Since April 1 (2-3-5 in 11 GP)
Milan Michalek: Career playoffs (11-7-18 in 47 GP); most recent playoffs (1-1-2 in 7 GP, 2012); ’12-13 regular season (4-10-14 in 21 GP); Since April 1 (2-2-4 in 6 GP)
Sergei Gonchar: Career playoffs (22-62-84 in 125 GP); most recent playoffs (1-3-4 in 7 GP, 2012); ’12-13 regular season (3-23-26 in 43 GP); Since April 1 (1-3-4 in 11 GP)
Kyle Turris: Career playoffs (2-4-6 in 11 GP); most recent playoffs (1-2-3 in 7 GP, 2012); ’12-13 regular season (10-16-26 in 46 GP); Since April 1 (2-2-4 in 11 GP)
Cory Conacher: Career playoffs (N/A); most recent playoffs (N/A); ’12-13 regular season (11-17-28 in 45 GP); Since April 1 (2-2-4 in 11 GP)
Mika Zibanejad: Career playoffs (N/A); most recent playoffs (N/A); ’12-13 regular season (7-13-20 in 40 GP); Since April 1 (1-4-5 in 11 GP)
Jakob Silfverberg: Career playoffs (N/A); most recent playoffs (N/A); ’12-13 regular season (10-9-19 in 46 GP); Since April 1 (2-3-5 in 11 GP)
Guillaume Latendresse: Career playoffs (0-1-1 in 12 GP); most recent playoffs (0-0-0 in 4 GP, 2009); ’12-13 regular season (6-4-10 in 26 GP); Since April 1 (1-1-2 in 10 GP)
Colin Greening: Career playoffs (0-1-1 in 7 GP); most recent playoffs (0-1-1 in 7 GP, 2012); ’12-13 regular season (8-10-18 in 45 GP); Since April 1 (2-2-4 in 11 GP)
NEW YORK RANGERS
Line combos: (April 25 vs. Canes) Hagelin-Stepan-Callahan; Clowe-Brassard-Nash; Pyatt-Richards-Zuccarello; Gilroy-Powe-Kreider; McDonagh-Girardi; Del Zotto-Stralman; Moore-Eminger
Power play units: (April 25 vs. Canes) PP1: Richards, Stepan, Callahan, Nash, Girardi PP2: Brassard, Richards, Zuccarello, Pyatt, Del Zotto
Season-to-date power play times: Richards, Callahan, Nash, Del Zotto, Brassard, Stepan, Clowe, Zuccarello, Girardi, Stralman
Rick Nash: Career playoffs (1-2-3 in 4 GP); most recent playoffs (1-2-3 in 4 GP, 2009); ’12-13 regular season (19-21-40 in 43 GP); Since April 1 (7-5-12 in 13 GP)
Brad Richards: Career playoffs (27-50-77 in 83 GP); most recent playoffs (6-9-15 in 20 GP, 2012); ’12-13 regular season (11-21-32 in 45 GP); Since April 1 (6-8-14 in 13 GP)
Derek Stepan: Career playoffs (1-8-9 in 25 GP); most recent playoffs (1-8-9 in 20 GP, 2012); ’12-13 regular season (17-25-42 in 47 GP); Since April 1 (7-10-17 in 13 GP)
Ryan Callahan: Career playoffs (12-7-19 in 47 GP); most recent playoffs (6-4-10 in 20 GP); ’12-13 regular season (15-14-29 in 44 GP); Since April 1 (6-8-14 in 13 GP)
Derick Brassard: Career playoffs (N/A); most recent playoffs (N/A); ’12-13 regular season (5-6-11 in 12 GP w/ New York); Since April 1 (5-6-11 in 12 GP)
Ryane Clowe: Career playoffs (18-27-45 in 68 GP); most recent playoffs (0-3-3 in 5 GP); ’12-13 regular season (3-5-8 in 12 GP w/ New York); Since April 1 (3-5-8 in 12 GP)
Carl Hagelin: Career playoffs (0-3-3 in 17 GP); most recent playoffs (0-3-3 in 17 GP, 2012); ’12-13 regular season (10-14-24 in 47 GP); Since April 1 (2-4-6 in 13 GP)
Michael Del Zotto: Career playoffs (2-8-10 in 20 GP); most recent playoffs (2-8-10 in 20 GP, 2012); ’12-13 regular season (3-18-21 in 45 GP); Since April 1 (0-6-6 in 13 GP)
Mats Zuccarello: Career playoffs (0-0-0 in 1 GP); most recent playoffs (0-0-0 in 1 GP, 2011); ’12-13 regular season (3-4-7 in 14 GP); Since April 1 (3-4-7 in 13 GP)
Dan Girardi: Career playoffs (3-12-15 in 52 GP); most recent playoffs (3-9-12 in 20 GP, 2012); ’12-13 regular season (2-12-14 in 45 GP); Since April 1 (1-2-3 in 13 GP)
NEW YORK ISLANDERS
Line combos: (April 25 vs. Flyers) Moulson-Tavares-Boyes; Bailey-Nielsen-Okposo; Grabner-Aucoin-McDonald; Boulton-Cizikas-Martin; Streit-Strait; Hamonic-MacDonald; Carkner-Visnovsky
Power play units: (April 25 vs. Flyers) PP1: Boyes, Moulson, Tavares, Visnovsky, Streit PP2: Bailey, Okposo, Nielsen, Visnovsky, Streit
Season-to-date power play times: Streit, Tavares, Moulson, Boyes, Visnovsky, Nielsen, MacDonald, Okposo, Bailey, Hamonic
John Tavares: Career playoffs (N/A); most recent playoffs (N/A); ’12-13 regular season (28-19-47 in 47 GP); Since April 1 (7-4-11 in 12 GP)
Matt Moulson: Career playoffs (N/A); most recent playoffs (N/A); ’12-13 regular season (15-29-44 in 46 GP); Since April 1 (4-5-9 in 11 GP)
Brad Boyes: Career playoffs (3-1-4 in 11 GP); most recent playoffs (1-0-0 in 7 GP, 2011); ’12-13 regular season (10-25-35 in 47 GP); Since April 1 (2-6-8 in 12 GP)
Mark Streit: Career playoffs (1-3-4 in 12 GP); most recent playoffs (1-3-4 in 11 GP, 2008); ’12-13 regular season (6-21-27 in 47 GP); Since April 1 (1-9-10 in 12 GP)
Lubomir Visnovsky: Career playoffs (0-4-4 in 18 GP); most recent playoffs (0-3-3 in 6 GP, 2011); ’12-13 regular season (3-11-14 in 35 GP); Since April 1 (0-5-5 in 12 GP)
Frans Nielsen: Career playoffs (N/A); most recent playoffs (N/A); ’12-13 regular season (6-23-29 in 47 GP); Since April 1 (3-8-11 in 12 GP)
Kyle Okposo: Career playoffs (N/A); most recent playoffs (N/A); ’12-13 regular season (4-20-24 in 47 GP); Since April 1 (1-9-10 in 12 GP)
Michael Grabner: Career playoffs (1-0-1 in 9 GP); most recent playoffs (1-0-1 in 9 GP, 2010); ’12-13 regular season (16-5-21 in 44 GP); Since April 1 (5-1-6 in 12 GP)
Josh Bailey: Career playoffs (N/A); most recent playoffs (N/A); ’12-13 regular season (11-8-19 in 37 GP); Since April 1 (6-4-10 in 12 GP)
Andrew MacDonald: Career playoffs (N/A); most recent playoffs (N/A); ’12-13 regular season (3-8-11 in 47 GP); Since April 1 (1-2-3 in 12 GP)