MADISON, Wis. — Eleven former-Badgers on seven teams will compete for a chance to raise Lord Stanley in the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Wisconsin has been well represented in the postseason in recent years with Ryan McDonagh raising the Stanley Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning the last two seasons. Both times, he faced off against a fellow former Badger, defeating Joe Pavelski and the Dallas Stars in 2020 and Cole Caufield and the Montreal Canadiens in 2021.
The Lightning also added goaltender Brian Elliott, a member of Wisconsin’s 2006 national championship roster, to their roster this season with their sights set on a third-straight Stanley Cup victory. Elliott, McDonagh and the Lightning line up against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round.
President Ryan McDonagh?#2XStanleyCupChampion https://t.co/PIeV1vhgfg
— Wisconsin Hockey (@BadgerMHockey) April 25, 2022
Former Badger and 2006 national champion Pavelski reached 500 career assists with a helper against the Seattle Kraken on April 23. His 27 goals and 54 assists set helped him set a career high with 81 points, and made him the oldest American player to reach 80 points in a season.
It’s been a season of milestones for the Stars’ forward who netted his 400th career goal earlier this season. Pavelski’s 500 assists put him in the ranks of Badger legends Chris Chelios, Gary Suter, and Ryan Suter, who are the only Badger players to post more assists in the NHL.
5️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ pic.twitter.com/hhch861swX
— x – Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) April 24, 2022
Pavelski is joined on the Stars’ roster by former-Badger defenseman Ryan Suter, currently in his 17th NHL season. Dallas claimed the second wild card spot in the Western Conference and will face off with the Calgary Flames in the first round of playoffs. Suter recently tallied his 100th career goal to become the third Badger defenseman to reach that mark in the NHL.
The Boston Bruins and Carolina Hurricanes also each boast a pair of former Badgers on their roster. Craig Smith and Trent Frederic helped Boston claim the first wild card slot in the Eastern Conference and will line up against Brendan Smith and Derek Stepan on Carolina.
While the Montreal Canadiens missed the playoffs by a hefty margin, Cole Caufield found individual success during his sophomore season in the NHL. The 2021 Hobey Baker recipient took off in the second half of the season, posting 22 goals since Feb. 10 for his first 20-goal season. He also scored a trio of goals in Montreal’s 10-2 win over the Florida Panthers on April 29 for his first NHL hat trick.
Cole Caufield trying to win the NHL rookie goal-scoring title 🎩🎩🎩 https://t.co/x6AxdkINO1
— Wisconsin Hockey (@BadgerMHockey) April 30, 2022
Caulfield ranked second on the Canadiens’ roster with 23 goals and 20 assists for 43 points on the year.
Caufield was invited to play for Team USA at the upcoming world championships, but turned down the invite after a couple of whirlwind years. Buffalo Sabres’ head coach Don Granato, will represent Team USA at the 2022 IIHF World Championship, however, as an assistant coach. The event is scheduled for Helsinki, Finland, May 13- 29.
Cole Caufield for America!!! 🇺🇸 https://t.co/ar3Gdyvfpv
— Wisconsin Hockey (@BadgerMHockey) April 28, 2022
Complete list of Badgers in the NHL playoffs:
Eastern Conference
Boston Bruins – Trent Frederic (2016-18), Craig Smith (2009-11)
Carolina Hurricanes – Derek Stepan (2008-10), Brendan Smith (2007-10)
New York Rangers – K’andre Miller (2018-20)
Tampa Bay Lightning – Ryan McDonagh (2007-10), Brian Elliott (2003-07)
Washington Capitals – Justin Schultz (2009-12)
Western Conference
Dallas Stars – Joe Pavelski (2004-06), Ryan Suter (2003-04)
Nashville Predators – Luke Kunin (2015-17)