How Zach Parise has kicked it up another notch this post-season.

Star rookie Nathan MacKinnon stole the spotlight in the opening round series between Colorado and Minnesota but Zach Parise matched him every step of the way. He was a beast in the first round matchup, notching points in all seven games and was pivotal when called upon; scoring the game winner in game six, late, to send it to the extra and decisive frame. Now Parise takes a share of the playoff scoring lead into the second round having completed a splendid come-from-behind upset of the Avalanche.

The hometown boy has really showed why the big bucks were justified by spending on him ($7,538,462 per year, through 2025), by digging deep and helping incite his troops into pulling off the upset, in knocking off the number one seed in the West.

Parise stepped it up this year, beginning with the regular season campaign, which saw him better his inaugural (and lockout-shortened) campaign PPG(Points-Per-Game) average of 0.79 to an 0.84 rate. In the playoffs, he's ramped it up several notches further, producing at a killer rate of 1.43 PPG! In fact, Parise leads all active forwards in assists, with seven; in an equal amount of games.

Zach Parise Most Common Linemate Generator — Via FrozenPools

Ever since Mikael Granlund returned from injury just prior to New Year's Eve, Zach has seen his output kick up into high gear, and he never really turned back since. Over the four week span that Granlund spent in the infirmary – from November 27^th through December 22^nd, Parise netted only a single helper.

Prior to Granlund leaving, Parise has 17 points in 15 games. They've been great together through the first round this spring as well, and can probably expect to be linked together for many years to come as they flat out produce!

That being said, they have been playing the vast majority of their time together on even strength, whereas Mikko Koivu, and all the wisdom he holds with him, has locked down the centreman role on the man advantage as well as on the penalty kill. Koivu and Parise have been absolute fixtures on all special teams ever since the outset of the playoffs, expect that to continue.

However, if you are planning out your regular season keeper and dynasty league keeper selections for next year, and are in a shallow league, Granlund will assuredly be sampled more often on the man advantage as he gains more experience and Mikko starts to lose a step.

By next season's end, I full expect Granlund to usurp Koivu as the primary top power play unit centreman. Although Koivu will still get more shorthanded minutes than him as he's perfected the role to an extent.

It'll be ultra interesting to see Parise and co take on yet another top contender, the Cup Champions, after taking down the incumbent Regular Season Western Conference champs. Ryan Suter, the other twin billed, mega-monster contract man still has more to be desired in round two, and power play opportunities will be vital if Minny can draw them more often.

 (Give Anthony Lancione a follow on Twitter @Anthisdaman)