The NHL playoffs are the biggest stage for any hockey player. It’s where stars rise — or fall. While some players have stepped up their game this post-season, a few big names are having a tough time living up to the hype.
Based on how they played in the regular season or the high expectations placed on them, these five players are clearly underperforming when it matters most. Some of them still have time to turn things around, but for now, their form is raising eyebrows.
Mason Marchment – LW, Dallas Stars
Mason Marchment had a decent regular season, scoring more than 20 goals. But in the playoffs, he’s been almost invisible for the Dallas Stars, with just one goal and three points.
Things got worse when Marchment showed his frustration by lightly tapping an official with his stick – a move widely criticized.
“You can’t make contact with an official under any circumstances,” said former NHL goalie Kelly Hrudey.
Ray Ferraro from ESPN added, “I don’t know what the hell he was thinking.”
Marchment’s emotional playing style, which usually helps the team, is hurting them now. He’s taken five penalties and drawn only two, making him more of a problem than a solution so far.
Darnell Nurse – D, Edmonton Oilers
While the Oilers’ defense has stepped up overall, especially with Mattias Ekholm injured, Darnell Nurse has not been at his best.
According to the Edmonton Journal, Nurse has been directly involved in nine even-strength goals against in nine games — not great for the team’s highest-paid defenseman.
Even though he’s playing with top defender Evan Bouchard, Nurse continues to make mistakes. One of the worst came in Game 3 against Vegas, where he was caught out of position on key goals.
Mitch Marner – RW, Toronto Maple Leafs
Mitch Marner has 12 points in 10 playoff games — which sounds good — but he’s only scored two goals. He went without a single shot in his last two games against the Panthers.
For a player looking to earn a contract similar to teammate Auston Matthews (who makes $13.25 million per year), Marner hasn’t shown he deserves that kind of money in the playoffs.
To make things worse, he and Matthews have scored the same number of goals in the post-season as Ottawa’s Brady Tkachuk — and Tkachuk didn’t even make the playoffs.
Compared to Mikko Rantanen of the Dallas Stars, who also has a big contract, Marner’s numbers don’t match up. Rantanen has nine goals, two hat tricks, and two game-winning goals. Marner’s production just isn’t at that level right now.
One fan online put it sharply:
“Marner when it’s time to get paid: ‘Pay me like Rantanen.’ Marner when it’s time to perform: ‘LMAO I’m not Rantanen.’”
Pierre-Luc Dubois – C, Washington Capitals
Pierre-Luc Dubois has always been inconsistent, and this playoff run is more of the same. He had a strong 66-point regular season but has failed to score in the playoffs, recording only three assists.
Now with his fourth NHL team, Dubois continues to be known as a player who disappears in big moments. With the Capitals close to being knocked out, Dubois is one of the main reasons why they’re struggling despite having strong momentum earlier.
Connor Hellebuyck – G, Winnipeg Jets
Connor Hellebuyck was expected to be one of the best goaltenders in the playoffs. Instead, he’s been one of the weakest.
He has a very low .848 save percentage and a 3.51 goals-against average. On the road, it’s even worse: 0-4 record with a shocking .772 save percentage and 6.65 GAA.
Except for a shutout in Game 2, he hasn’t looked like the Vezina Trophy finalist that fans know. With Winnipeg close to elimination, Hellebuyck needs to step up fast — especially with another must-win game in Dallas.
The NHL playoffs are where legends are made, but they can also expose flaws. Players like Marchment, Nurse, Marner, Dubois, and Hellebuyck are under pressure to bounce back quickly. While there’s still time for some of them to regain form, fans and teams are watching closely — because at this stage, every mistake and missed opportunity could cost them the Cup.
