Whenever you make the playoffs, it takes all 20 skaters pulling their weight. That goes for veterans and rookies alike. The Hurricanes had a few rookies going for them in the postseason, providing plenty of headlines and notable moments across their 15 games. Some of it was good, and some of it can be chalked up as learning experiences.
Blake and Stankoven were difference makers throughout the postseason
There wasn't much easing into the postseason for either Jackson Blake or Logan Stankoven. In Game 1 against New Jersey, Stankoven scored twice, and he added an assist in Game 5. Blake did pretty well for himself, too. In his first-ever playoff series, Blake finished with three assists, tied for the second-most on the team, while scoring a big second-period goal in the series finale.
While Blake's numbers tapered off over the next two series, adding just two goals over the next ten games, Stankoven used his experiences from last season with Dallas to help the Hurricanes. He scored a massive goal in Game 1 against Washington, tying the game midway through the third before Jaccob Slavin won it in overtime.
Stankoven was also one of the team's few bright spots against Florida. He had a goal and an assist in Game 3 before breaking the ice midway through the second period in Game 4. Assuming no Oilers or Panthers rookies pass them, Stankoven will finish with the most goals (5) and points (8) among all rookies this postseason, while Blake will finish second in both (3 goals, 6 points).
Morrow and Nikishin saw some action, too
By the end of the Washington series, the Hurricanes were dealing with injuries on defense. Jalen Chatfield suffered an injury during Game 4, forcing Rod Brind'Amour to make some lineup decisions. For what became the series clincher, Alexander Nikishin made his long-awaited NHL debut. It was a little rough, but he got the job done.
For the start of the Florida series, Scott Morrow stepped into Chatfield's place, making his postseason debut in Game 1. It was a well-documented disaster. When Sean Walker went down, the team had to play with two rookie blueliners. Nikishin looked much more comfortable at the end of the series, recording his first NHL point on Stankoven's goal in Game 4.
The best is yet to come
Playing with four rookies in the lineup during the postseason isn't a common occurrence. While they fell flat as a team in the conference finals, doing what they did with the youth in their lineup is impressive. These aren't just ordinary rookies. These are four players the team can build around moving forward. The best part is that this is just the tip of the iceberg.
This experience will be invaluable for all four men, and there are more young guns on the way. Bradly Nadeau will push for a roster spot next season, and several others could make their way onto the roster as injuries occur throughout the campaign. I expect great things next season from all parties involved as a miniature youth movement sweeps through Raleigh.