While the Nashville Predators aren't in the postseason yet again, there are a handful of Preds players fans are cheering for as round two begins.
The Predators shipped off four players at the trade deadline in March, three of which are still in the playoffs. Some have played huge roles in their team's run, and others aren't that noticeable. Let's take a quick look at the playoff scene and see how the Smashville group is doing.
Cole Smith is arguably the best Preds playoff player right now
Cole Smith's introduction to Vegas wasn't strong. After scoring six points and 10 points with Nashville, Smith wrapped up the season with only two more goals with Vegas. While he kept his shooting percentage at just over 11%, Smith was only really noticeable physically.
Smith turned up the heat in the playoffs, however. In the first round against the Utah Mammoth, the undrafted forward scored two goals and four points with a point differential of +5. He iced off game six with an empty netter, helping send the Golden Knights to the second round for the second-straight season.
Lineup security might weaken for Smith with William Karlsson returning to the lineup for the first time since November of last year. Fans should be excited to see what Smith continues to do with Vegas as they continue their cup run.
Michael McCarron continuing his Big Sexy legacy in Minnesota
Michael McCarron has emerged as the unsung hero for the Minnesota Wild, helping them win a playoff round for the first time since 2015. In the opening round against the Dallas Stars, McCarron scored two big goals. His first being a go-ahead goal in game three on a breakaway. The second was the game-winning goal in the third period, assisted by none other than former linemate Yakov Trenin.
He also had a three-game positive point differential streak, racking up a +3 rating in that span. In the second round, McCarron continued to be a helping force for the Wild in the second round against Colorado. He helped Minnesota claw their way back in a barnburner that was game one after leading Trenin to an excellent passing play to Vladimir Tarasenko.
Outside of offense, he's provided the body, delivering 16 hits and prompted two takeaways.
Nick Blankenburg hasn't got much opportunity, but is still playing well
Nick Blankenburg played well with the Avalanche in his short 12-game stretch after the deadline, scoring two and helping on one. His role definitely shrunk after joining Colorado, going from almost 18 minutes a night to just 12. In the postseason, we've rarely seen the defenseman.
His first playoff appearance in the NHL came in game four of the opening round against the Kings, were they proceeded to sweep them and head to the second round. Blankenburg returned to the lineup for game one of the second round against Minnesota, scoring the second period's opening goal on a two-on-one.
Considering the Avalanche have a stacked defensive lineup, Blankenburg's role could continue to be restricted. However, if he continues scoring, we could see him more frequently.
Michael Bunting was a healthy scratch, but tallied in his lone game
Michael Bunting is the odd man out of the bunch, not only because he only played one game, but because he's the only one no longer in the playoffs. After facing McCarron's tough Minnesota team, the Dallas Stars struggled to keep up and fell in six games. His lone point came from a primary assist on Mavrik Bourque's first career playoff goal late in the middle frame.
Bunting wasn't that noticeable in the regular season either, only tallying a goal and an assist in 13 games after scoring 13 and 18 respectively in Nashville prior to the trade. His future with Dallas is in the air as his contract ends this offseason.
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