Mattias Janmark, Game 7 of the Western Division first round, 2021
Mattias Janmark had a strong presence during the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, scoring two goals and two assists for the Edmonton Oilers. Despite Edmonton losing, the Swedish center helped his team come within a game of completing an incredible comeback. However, that wasn't the first time he was a clutch player.
Take May 28, 2021, as a perfect example. Facing a do-or-die game against the Minnesota Wild, Janmark stepped up with a hat trick. That included an empty-net goal to close the game and a first-period pass from Nicolas Roy to open the scoring. The center was a key player that few Golden Knights fans expected to rise to the occasion. Yet, he came through in a clutch when needed.
That awe-inspiring play also helped then-head coach Pete DeBoer's undefeated record (8-0) in deciding games, making him a nightmare matchup. He's carried that style into the playoffs, helping teams like Edmonton on the fourth line. That's how he got a three-year deal to stay with the Oilers this offseason. Although Vegas didn't win it all in 2021, they owe a great deal to Mattias Janmark for stepping up in a big moment. After all, it added credibility to the team's belief in balanced goal-scoring.