Jackson Blake off to fast start in Stanley Cup Playoffs

May 5—GRAND FORKS — Jackson Blake got his first experience in the Stanley Cup Playoffs a year ago.

His second go-around in the playoffs has been even better.

Blake has been buzzing for the Carolina Hurricanes, who are 6-0 in the Stanley Cup Playoffs and hold a 2-0 series lead on the Philadelphia Flyers.

Blake has eight points in six games for the Hurricanes, including two assists in Carolina's 3-2 overtime win over the Flyers on Monday night. He has racked into the top 10 in the NHL in playoff scoring.

The 22-year-old's production has been consistent as well.

Blake has recorded at least a point in five of Carolina's six playoff games, and he's registered a plus-6 rating.

Blake is playing wing on a line with center Logan Stankoven (seven points) and left wing Taylor Hall (nine points).

Game 3 is scheduled for Thursday in Philadelphia.

Carolina won the Metropolitan Division with 113 points this season.

Blake, in his second full season in the NHL, tallied 22 goals and 53 points in 81 games.

As a rookie, he tallied 17 goals and 34 points in 80 games. In the playoffs, he had six points in 17 games.

Blake's father, Jason, played 871 NHL regular-season games during a 13-year run.

But Jackson has now passed his father's career playoff point total (11).

The Hurricanes selected Blake with a fourth-round pick in 2021. He played two seasons at UND, racking up 102 points in 79 games. Blake was a Hobey Baker Hat Trick finalist in 2023-24, his final collegiate season.

Former UND standout Jake Sanderson has been named one of three finalists for the Lady Byng Trophy.

The Lady Byng Trophy is awarded to "to the player voted best to combine sportsmanship, gentlemanly conduct and ability."

The other finalists are Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar and Montreal Canadiens forward .