The Winnipeg Jets’ defensman is more than veteran leadership, more than Stanley Cup experience. He’s more than a marauding villain, destroying everyone in his path.
Dustin Byfuglien has 15 points in thirteen playoff games. Five goals, ten assists for Big Buff. What a playoff run this guy is having. Byfuglien leads all NHL defenseman in points, and he scored eight of t hem in the seven game series in Nashville.
You know all about the power Byfuglien can put behind his shots, but he’s got a little touch, too. Byfuglien leads the team in hits, with 47, and it’s not all about quantity with him.
Being hit by Byfuglien is not a thing I would wish on anyone. I can’t find video, but there’s a clip of him tossing around two Predators players like ragdolls. One in each hand, just throwing them around.
I have no concept of how strong this human being is. I know it’s far stronger than I am, and possibly any other hockey player. I’ve attempted to quantify how terrifying Dustin Byfuglien is on the ice, and I cannot on my own.
It would be enough to keep Byfuglien high in the power rankings without his scoring touch. After all, he was number one entering the second round, and he didn’t score a goal in that opening series.
Yes, he had five assists in five games. A point per game for a really good defenseman is a top flight player in the playoffs, no doubt about it. Fifteen points in 13 games though? Sign me up.