In the NHL playoffs, only a few players have made a bigger impact than the likes of Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, and Sidney Crosby. Each of these has left an indelible mark on the game of hockey.
This season's playoffs will commence next week, concluding with the Stanley Cup Finals in June. A total of eight teams from each conference will participate in the playoffs.
Before this year's playoffs begin, let's take a look at the five players who have performed the best in the postseason.
#1 Wayne Gretzky, 382 playoffs points
Known as "The Great One," Gretzky is widely considered the best player to ever play the game of hockey. He won four Stanley Cups during his career, and his 382 playoff points are a testament to his incredible skill and consistency.
Gretzky's playoff numbers are staggering - he has the most goals, the most assists, and the most points in playoff history.
#2 Mark Messier, 295 playoff points
Messier was Gretzky's teammate during the Edmonton Oilers dynasty in the 1980s, and he went on to lead the New York Rangers to their first Stanley Cup in 54 years in 1994.
Messier's leadership and clutch performances made him one of the most beloved players in NHL history. His 295 playoff points are second only to Gretzky.
#3 Jari Kurri, 233 playoff points
Kurri was another member of the dominant Oilers team of the 1980s, and he was Gretzky's most frequent linemate during that time. Kurri's incredible offensive abilities were on full display during the playoffs, as he tallied 233 points in 200 playoff games.
He won five Stanley Cups, including four with the Oilers and one with the Rangers.
#4 Glenn Anderson, 214 playoff points
Anderson was another key member of the Oilers dynasty, and he played a pivotal role in the team's success. He was known for his speed and tenacity, and he could always be counted on to come up with big plays when his team needed it the most.
Anderson's 214 playoff points are proof of his offensive prowess and his ability to perform under pressure.
#5 Jaromír Jagr and Sidney Crosby, 201 playoff points
Jágr and Crosby are tied for fifth on the all-time playoff scoring list, with 201 points each. Jágr was a dominant force in the NHL for many years, and his playoff performances were a big part of his success. He won two Stanley Cups during his career.
Crosby, on the other hand, has been one of the best players in the NHL since he entered the league in 2005. He has won three Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins. His clutch performances in big games have earned him a reputation as one of the greatest players of his generation.