The NHL playoffs are in full swing, and there have been no surprises after the first couple of days. Only time will tell whether there are any upsets in the first round, but there are plenty of players whose legacy will be built over the Stanley Cup chase. With that in mind, here is a six-pack of players most under the microscope. Mikko Rantanen, Dallas Stars Game 1 of the series was a disaster for all of the Stars — a 5-1 shellacking that already has them in a deep hole. Dallas is in real danger with Game 2 Monday night at home. Another loss will have the Avalanche looking for a sweep when the series moves to Denver. Despite their Stanley Cup hopes, the Avalanche opted to trade away Rantanen back in January instead of possibly losing him via free agency. After a brief stop with the Carolina Hurricanes, he was traded to Dallas and signed to an eight-year, $96 million extension that kicks in next season. With that deal comes the expectation of being a difference-maker, but Rantanen was a non-factor in the series opener for a Dallas team that is missing its top goal scorer in Jason Robertson and top defenseman in Miro Heiskanen. This is a tipping point for the big winger to prove he was worth the fuss. Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets