Leon Draisaitl vs Nikita Kucherov: Who is the Best European Forward?

[IWantSakicAsMyGM]

Groundbreaking work in determining that an NHL record 17 points in a 5 game series is likely not repeatable. But you don't get to arbitrarily pick which points do and don't count.

Who gets to arbitrarily decide that simply having a higher PPG means you're a better playoff performer, despite a massive disparity in actual results?

I'm stating my opinion that Kucherov's play and results over that many consecutive playoff games are much more impressive than having a higher PPG while only playing 24 playoff games in the early rounds. If you disagree, feel free to try to change my mind.

 

[Frank Drebin]

And, no Maroon is absolutely not even remotely the better player. But, he is oddly effective in the playoffs, and I would very easily call him the better playoff performer up to this point,

Have a good day.

 

[McVespa99]

McDavid and Hyman are actually Draisaitl's most common linemates over the season though. Not to mention they're on the same powerplay unit. I admit Tampa has a great team around Kucherov but I think Draisaitl's numbers are inflated since he plays with the best player in the world. Even Nugent Hopkins is on pace for 100 points last time I checked. I do think it could go both ways but I'm on Kucherov's side

Of course his numbers are better because he plays with good players. The point is so does Kuch. Also Drai has put up great numbers every time McD has been out injured so......
Anyway bottom line is they are both great players. You couldnt go wrong with either

 

[McFlash97]

Kucherov has accomplished more in terms of championships. Draisaitl however is a better player. Kucherov being a close third.

 

[Eternal Leaf]

I have Kucherov slightly ahead. He's a proper game breaker in the playoffs.

 

[Homesick]

"Tie" should have been an option.

 

[McNuge]

I have Kucherov slightly ahead. He's a proper game breaker in the playoffs.

What do you mean by proper game breaker? Is 17 points in 5 games against your biggest rival when you can barely skate not game breaking enough for you?

 

[Sweetpotato]

They both have put up 30 while hurt in the post season. One did it in fewer games with a better teammate. The other did it with a much better team.

Not to nit pick, but Kucherov also played 7 and 9 games more than Draisaitl in those runs. Had Draisaitl played 25 games for example he would've been closer to 50 points.

 

[Homesick]

What do you mean by proper game breaker? Is 17 points in 5 games against your biggest rival when you can barely skate not game breaking enough for you?

Know your audience. Some posters have no clue what a game breaker in the playoffs is

 

[snipes]

I have Kucherov slightly ahead. He's a proper game breaker in the playoffs.

Draisaitl set the NHL playoff record for assists in a series at 15 and he did it in 5 games. He also set an NHL playoff record for assists in a period with 4.

He also did it against the Oilers biggest rival and while playing on one leg.

 

[Homesick]

I have Kucherov slightly ahead. He's a proper game breaker in the playoffs.

So can we finally settle that Draisaitl is better than Matthews?
Both are the second best on their teams.
Draisaitl 1.59 PPG in the playoffs
Matthews .85 PPG in the playoffs