How Jake Guentzel compares to other rookie playoff stars

Pittsburgh Penguins rookie forward Jake Guentzel received more third-place votes for the Conn Smythe Trophy than anyone else. Only one voter cast a first-place ballot for him, though, despite a postseason which tied him with Dino Ciccarelli and Ville Leino for most playoff points by a rookie (21).

Guentzel's 13 goals in the playoffs - the second-most ever recorded by a first-year player - are particularly impressive when compared to the 22-year-old's output during the regular season. In 40 games, Guentzel managed just three more goals and 12 more points than he produced in 15 fewer playoff matchups.

Rookie playoff scoring has been on the rise in recent years. Five of the 27 rookies to score at least 14 postseason points are currently active. None of those five were older than 22 when they did it, and none of them are currently over the age of 29.

Here's how Guentzel's 2017 playoff performance compares to his four recent predecessors, and how his future might unfold.

Brad Marchand, Boston Bruins, 2011

Marchand appeared in an unimpressive 20 games for the Bruins during a 2009-10 season that included significant time in the AHL. He finished the year with just one NHL assist, and didn't play a single postseason game for Boston.

Things changed big time in his official rookie season, and his game has continued to improve. Though the Bruins haven't enjoyed a similar level of playoff success since his breakout run, his production clearly represents the upper tier of what can be hoped for from Guentzel.

If Guentzel can stick beside Sidney Crosby the way Marchand has stuck with Patrice Bergeron, he could certainly enjoy sustained success.

Robby Fabbri, St. Louis Blues, 2016

(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)

Before Guentzel, Fabbri was the most recent rookie to make the NHL world take notice during the postseason.

He missed the Blues' 2017 playoff run due to injury, though, and was limited to just 51 regular-season games. As is the case with Guentzel, the jury is still out, but Fabbri's proved capable of handling a steady top-six role with St. Louis in a system that's projected to favor offense slightly more under head coach Mike Yeo.

Logan Couture, San Jose Sharks, 2011

Couture gained the most experience of any player on this list prior to his rookie season. He played 25 regular-season games and 15 playoff contests in 2009-10, just narrowly falling short of the rookie qualifications.

Injuries have been the only thing tempering his production since, as he's led San Jose's second line whenever healthy. He's typically played with inferior and less inexperienced talent while the Sharks tend to load up their top line. Guentzel hasn't shown such a complete game yet, since he's relied heavily on playing time with Crosby.

Tyler Toffoli, Los Angeles Kings, 2014

(Photo courtesy: Action Images)

Toffoli played a total of 22 regular-season and playoff games in 2012-13 before busting out during the Kings' run to the 2014 Stanley Cup.

Like Marchand and Guentzel, Toffoli was able to lean heavily on an elite center - in this case, Jeff Carter. Toffoli struggled with injuries this past season, but put up 49 and 58 points in the two campaigns before that.

(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)

Guentzel was the lowest draft pick among the players mentioned here, but he was the only one to break out in the postseason without any NHL experience from a previous season or playoffs.

He was drafted seven years after Marchand and six selections lower. Guentzel was the same age as Marchand in his rookie run, younger than Toffoli, and only slightly older than Couture and Fabbri.

His success may largely depend on how long he can ride Crosby's coattails, but Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan should have plenty of patience with that experiment.