RAY BOURQUE-O-METER

It’s become tradition to cheer for the Cup-less but lovable aging veteran to finally reach the NHL’s peak. Who pulls strongest at the heartstrings?

CUP OF JOE > JOE THORNTON, FLORIDA PANTHERS Career Playo Games: 186

‘Jumbo’ is embracing the mercenary stage of his career, as the 42-year-old chases the post-season success that has eluded him throughout his entire 24-season career. Could this finally be the year?

JASON THE DREAM >JASON SPEZZA, TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS Career Playo Games: 92

His 22 points tied for the playo– lead and helped bring the Senators within three wins of the Cup in 2007, but Spezza hasn’t really flirted with glory since leaving Ottawa. He’ll get another chance this year with Toronto.

THIRD TIME LUCKY? > JOE PAVELSKI, DALLAS STARS Career Playo Games: 161

Pavelski played in two Cup finals and another Western Conference final in five seasons and still came up empty. Time is running out for ‘Captain America.’

UNFORTUNATE SUITOR > RYAN SUTER, DALLAS STARS Career Playo Games: 88

Signing with pal Zach Parise was supposed to make the Wild beasts, but Suter, among the best pure defenders of his generation, has never experienced life beyond the second round.

HEART-BURNS > BRENT BURNS, SAN JOSE SHARKS Career Playo Games: 94

Teeth aren’t the only thing that Burns is missing. A ring, too. At 37, he’s in his career twilight. The veteran blueliner might have to leave San Jose to fill the hole in his trophy case.

SOUR PICKLES > MARC-EDOUARD VLASIC, SAN JOSE SHARKS Career Playo Games: 142

No active ‘D’ has played more post-season games without a Cup – and the next-closest is nearly 30 games back. Falling two wins shy in 2016 haunts many members of that Sharks outfit.