Welcome back to The Journey.

To kick things off, I would like to thank Colton Pankiw for taking over during my absence. He provided some great content for all of you prospect enthusiasts and in case you missed any of his work, make sure to check out his columns:

Calder Trophy Top 5

Top Rising Forward Prospects – April – Part Two

Top Rising Forward Prospects – April

Draft Eligible Prospects

Let's get back to work, shall we? 

It's the most wonderful time of the year – Stanley Cup Playoff time. Well, for the most part. Due to the extremely unique circumstances surrounding each division, 75% of the playoff teams will be kick-starting their postseason this weekend. While the North Division, as a result of late-season Covid complications, will be forced to play catch up. Those matchups are set to begin on Wednesday, May 19. 

First, let's get a headcount. How many of my readers will be taking part in some form of a playoff pool – pick'em, box, or points-only? My guess is that many of you will and while your top producers will always drive your team – your Sidney Crosbys, and your Alex Ovechkins, etc. It's the supporting cast that plays a huge role in taking home a fantasy (playoff) championship. Especially in the final rounds of the grind.

Of course, it's not often that we see prospects make worthwhile impacts, but it does happen. Remember Joel Kiviranta's three-goal performance in Game 7 of last year's Western Conference Semifinals? He totaled for six points, which certainly adds up at the end of the battle. Obviously, it is highly unlikely that anyone actually drafted him to their rosters, but you get my point. This year, depending on your pool’s roster size, there are actually a few names who could make a small splash and help you cash in.

Right off the bat, there's Kirill Kaprizov. The Russian phenom has instantly put Minnesota back on the map as one of the more exciting teams to cover this year. Many even have them upsetting in the first few rounds. If you are long on the Wild to run deep, he is your instant bet to success. 

Of course, Kirill is a special case and I would like to focus on a few others who could be difference-makers – especially if a few upsets happen. Here are a few prospects to target in your (deeper) playoff pools.

Cole Caufield vs Alex Newhook

I'll start off with a battle of the short-term college rookies. Both just recently introduced themselves into the league, both have looked good to start out, and of course, both will be competing in this year's playoff battle. It's not often that I promote selecting a rookie, due to the obvious lack of potential playing time. However, if your backs are against the wall and you are forced to go in an unexpected (underdog) direction, these two are the two we should be targeting.

Cole Caufield – Canadians

Despite going pointless through his first three matches, the sharpshooting rookie found his touch through the final stretch of Habs' season. With four goals and an assist in his last five outings, including two overtime winners, Caufield enjoyed a nice bump in his ice-time. His deployment has been rather mixed but has recently seen time on the club's top line alongside centreman Nick Suzuki and Finnish winger, Joel Armia. Mix this in with his top-line deployment on the club's special teams, and he is poised to play a large role for the club. As I mentioned in previous columns, he adds a piece that the club previously lacked, and will be looked to immediately to provide that. "That" being offense.

Even with all of that said, there is still an obvious downside to this pick – the Canadians have their work cut out for them, facing the North Division titans, the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Habs come in with a 3-6-1 record vs their rivaled opponents and with five straight losses to end the season, the risk versus reward here is tough to sign off on. 

Of course, if they manage an upset, you could be sitting pretty with a player from a clear underdog team, one that three-out-of-four will not have (those odds are a complete guess, and should not be taken literally). Sometimes in a draft, you have to choose the underdog, close your eyes, and hope for the best. If that's your route, this youngster can certainly produce at this level. 

Alex Newhook – Avalanche

Contrary to Caufield, Newhook faces the polar opposite of situations for fantasy hopefuls. That being, a likely bottom-six dweller on a potential Stanley Cup contender with ambitions to run deep. This is where the million-dollar (inset your pool's cash earnings here) question arises – do we go for fewer minutes on a better team or a top-line player on a potential first-round bust. I will leave that ball in your court. 

As for his play, Newhook has translated well, transitioning into the NHL as advertised. He has managed three points, all assists, while averaging just over 13 minutes of ice-time, primarily on the club's third-line. This is immediately following an impressive stint with the club's affiliate, the Eagles, where he posted nine points over eight games to lock down a promotion. Overall, Newhook is likely the safer bet, as the Avs are likely to push for a run, and for me, personally, longevity is the key. 

My pick: Based on predicted longevity, I'm going with Alex Newhook. The Avalanche are a high-octane team with a chip on their shoulder and something to prove – they could do some damage.

The Goaltenders

Personally, I usually stick to playoff pools that ignore netminders. The gamble is just too real. Alas, I understand that many use them, so it is my duty to supply a few that could enjoy some action. Seeing as each of these options have competing starting netminders in front of them – or at least right behind them should they have a bad game – I will list a few contestants and pick out my favorite of the group. 

Vitek Vanecek – Capitals

With an unexpected starting job to attend to, Vanecek impressed with a respectable 21-10-4 record during his rookie campaign. For whatever reason, there seemed to be a large number of doubters that the Capitals could continue to press for the Stanley Cup. Some even reached as far as pegging them as a bottom feeder in the East. I was somewhere in between.

Ilya Samsonov, who was supposed to serve as the club's 2020-21 starting netminder, appears to be on his way back into the lineup. This, although he likely starts Game 1, gives Vanecek a shortened leash heading into the postseason. Even with the starting job out the gate, the Boston Bruins core has the ability to promptly spoil his run and starting job to boot.

He went 4-3-0 versus the always tough Bruins.

Alex Nedeljkovic – Hurricanes

After earning his stripes in the American League for the past few seasons, winning a championship in the process, Nedeljkovic finally squeezed his way into the Hurricanes' starting rotation. And oh boy, did he impress. Through 23 games, he posted a stellar 15-5-3 record with three shutouts and led rookies in the majority of categories with at least 11 games played. This includes 1.90 GAA and a cool .932 save percentage. 

Your guess is as good as mine as to who starts Game 1, but his 7-1-0 record in his previous eight matches offers one heck of an argument. Even if Mrazek is handed the starting job, do not be shocked to see the 25-year-old catch some action. He went 2-1-0 against the Preds this season. 

 Jeremy Swayman – Bruins

Coming in hot is the former University of Maine standout, Jeremy Swayman. Following an incredible 8-1-0 record with the Providence Bruins in his professional debut stint, the 22-year-old forced the hands of the big club, promoting him in early April. Since, he's rocked a 6-3-1 record, allowing 15 goals during that span. 

While he has yet to face off against the Hurricanes, the club has already announced him as their backup over veteran backup Jaroslav Halak. Even so, with Tuukka Rask still in the blue paint, there would have to be a disaster for him to see consistent minutes. One thing is for sure, the crease is in good hands as this team heads into the future.

Ilya Sorokin – Islanders

What started out as a slow, somewhat disappointing, start to the season quickly transitioned into what we all had hoped for from Russian netminder. Following his quick three-game losing stint to kick off his NHL career, he went on an incredible 12-2-0 run, eventually wrapping up the year with a 16-6-3 record.

Although it appears that Semyon Varlamov will be ready to go for Game 1, he is coming off of a minor injury bout, meaning Sorokin will be on high alert to jump in. Keep caution, they are facing a red hot Pittsburgh Penguins club, with 18 wins in their previous 24 games. Whoever gets the nod, it's an uphill battle.

My Pick: All in all, rookie netminders are never an easy bet. Although Vanecek has a great chance to see games, I strongly believe in Nedeljkovic's ability to handle his own. My not-so-hot take is that he overtakes Petr Mrazek and puts up a good showing. Then again, I fade netminder all together. 

Thanks for joining me this week. Best of luck to all of you in your drafts.

Follow me on Twitter @hall1289 for prospect updates.