Tarasenko is money when it matters most

Everyone knows St. Louis Blues sniper Vladimir Tarasenko is an incredible talent, but it might be less obvious that he's one of the most clutch playoff performers among active skaters.

After his two-goal night Friday - including the game-winner - Tarasenko's scored 22 goals in 40 career playoff games.

"He's doing things that winners do," Blues coach Mike Yeo told reporters after the game. "... What he's done in the playoffs speaks for itself."

What's perhaps most impressive about Tarasenko's playoff dominance is the fact he's been able to produce at an incredible rate without a great supporting cast.

Tarasenko finished with 39 goals and 75 points this season. Only two other Blues - Jaden Schwartz (55) and Alexander Steen (51) - recorded 50 or more points, and Patrik Berglund (23) was the club's only other 20-goal scorer.

As the team's lone legitimate offensive threat, there is immense pressure on him to put the puck in the net. Simply put, if he doesn't score (or Jake Allen doesn't stand on his head), the Blues probably aren't winning.

Furthermore, over a best-of-seven series, teams can base their entire defensive strategy on trying to shut down Tarasenko. In spite of this extra time for game-planning, the Russian sniper continues to deliver when the lights are brightest.

Oh, and he's still only 25 years old.