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Fun with stats: Who’s leading the 2012 playoffs

Philadelphia Flyers v Anaheim Ducks

ANAHEIM, CA - DECEMBER 02: Danny Briere #48 and Claude Giroux #28 of the Philadelphia Flyers celebrate Giroux’s game winning goal in overtime against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center on December 2, 2011 in Anaheim, California. The Flyers defeated the Ducks 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

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Every year, the playoffs provide small sample sizes that delight fans - particularly those who love surprises - and antagonize stat nerds. With between four and seven games to go in the 2012 Stanley Cup finals and some time off, this seems like a perfect time to take a look at the postseason stat leaders.

Most points: Ilya Kovalchuk (18 in 17 games played)

Kovalchuk also leads all postseason scorers with 11 assists. If the New Jersey Devils win the Stanley Cup, he might just get his name on the Conn Smythe Trophy, which would really make a lot of people look silly for questioning his “clutchness.”

Most goals: Claude Giroux and Daniel Briere (eight apiece)

Despite missing a full round and only playing in 11 games max - Giroux actually missed one because of that suspension - the two Flyers’ forwards still are tied for the playoff Richard Trophy (so to speak). Giroux also only has one fewer point (17) than Kovalchuk. Those Philly forwards should be usurped soon enough, however, as Kovalchuk, Dustin Brown, Zach Parise and Travis Zajac are all tied for second with seven goals each.

Plus/minus: Dustin Brown and Anze Kopitar (+13)

I’m not a huge fan of the plus/minus stat, but if nothing else, it’s another example of how dominant a one-two punch the Kings’ top forwards have been so far. Brown had a +18 all season long while Kopitar was at a +12 so they tend to win matchups anyway, but not to this extent.

Most points for a defenseman: Dan Girardi (12 points)

Bryce Salvador leads active blueliners with 11 points while Drew Doughty tops the Kings’ side with 10. Salvador got to that point in 18 games while Doughty only needed 14 to score 10 points. My money’s on Doughty finishing with the most points among playoff defensemen.

Most penalty minutes: Zac Rinaldo (48 PIM)

The Kings and Devils aren’t likely to fill the penalty minutes category. Dustin Penner leads active players with 26 PIM while Dustin Brown is right behind him with 24. David Clarkson has 20 to top the Devils. It will likely take the two teams a while to generate sincere hatred, too.