10 guys to watch

1) Zack Smith - OTT - The Sen's knew what they were getting when they drafted him in the 3rd round in 2008, they just hoped the desire and ability would develop at the NHL level. He has size, is gritty and versatile, and can win draws when dragged in to do so. All of the above is needed against the NYR. When scoring depth is lacking in a series, 3rd and 4th liners become all that more important. Look for the 24-year-old to factor in on a big goal.

2) Brandon Dubinski - NYR - It's no secret Dubi is chomping at the bit to start the postseason. He had long cold streaks in terms of scoring, finishing with career full-season lows of ten goals and 34 points. A testament however, to his tenacity and dedication to the Tortorella mantra, is the fact the checker finished +16 in very tough match-ups. Fresh start. He'll provide some sand paper and could factor large off the forecheck and cycle.

3) Brooks Laich - DC - Not really an "other" guy, the 28-year-old from Wawota, Saskatchewan guaranteed a playoff spot for the Cap's with the race coming down to the wire and the team delivered. It's not exactly like Laich will surprise anyone when on a line with Ovechkin; he's a key guy and an entrenched leader on the hockey club. Offensively, his numbers were off a bit, but this wasn't exactly a typical season for anyone in DC. Expect him to jump up in big spots in this series. His weakness will be in the face-off circle, especially against Boston.

4) Chris Kelly - BOS - He has more offensive talent than what he is credited. He's durable and provides the perfect depth and leadership to bolster the top-9 up front. He was the only Bruin to play in all 82 games and had his first 20-goal campaign. He wins 52% of his draws. Boston fans last season after the trade deadline were saying "who is THIS guy". Five goals, 13 points, a plus-11 in the playoffs and a Stanley Cup later, they were saying, "we LOVE this guy".

5) Brent Burns - SJ - What's interesting here is, Burns, brought in to provide (even more) offense from the blue line and play a solid all-around game, hasn't been in the postseason since 2008. And his two NHL playoff experiences in Minnesota didn't last very long. Adjusting quickly to a "whole different animal", with the disciplined and tenacious Blues all over him, could be a challenge. Of course, he grew his hair, and duded out in NoCal with Joe and the boys, so, everything should be just fine man.

6) Vladimir Sobotka - STL - according to Vladi, its pronounced Sa-boat-ka if pronounced properly, for you home viewers. Simply stated because for most, he's one of the most obscure players in the postseason. So hey, let's see if the hard working 3rd/4th-line winger can sneak in and score a big goal for the Blue-notes. It's not like St. Louis will light it up that often anyway, they're 3rd to last in goals scored among the playoff teams. Systems and discipline and Vladi fits into the top-12.

7) Andrew Brunette - CHI - Can't skate, great hands. How many times has this guy heard that. Look for the 38-year-old to be in the right place at the right time. The adrenaline should help, he hasn't seen the playoffs in four years. He was part of Minnesota's Wild ride in 2003. Have fun Andrew.

8) Ray Whitney - PHO - Yeah, yeah, I know, he's the team's leading scorer, how the hell is he an "other" guy to watch?! Well, I'm trashing that concept here, just because I love to watch "the Wizard". Watch him because he's 39-years-old and he never ceases to amaze. He played in every game, tallied 24 goals and 77 points, had eight power play goals and finished a whopping +26. (only Radim Vrbata was close). He has old school dangle, as they say. New nickname: Ponce de Leon.

9) Petr Sykora - NJ - Another "old" guy, the 35-year-old played every game as well, and notched impressive totals with 21-goals and 23 assists. Despite playing just outside the biggest media market in the world, the Dev's generally fly under the radar. What attention they get, belongs to Kovalchuk and Parise. Sykora, a two-time Cup winner, likely skating with Elias and Zubrus, will remind hockey fans of NJ's offensive talent and depth in this series.

10) Dmitry Kulikov - FLA - The 2009 first-round pick is seeing his first playoff action. There's a possibility the 21-year-old gets overwhelmed, especially against the Devils. A puck mover, offensively gifted, and a member of the 2nd power play unit, Kulikov will be put to the test. Does he step up and have an impact? It'll be (presumably) a great experience for him, and an interesting one for us to watch.

Vanc in 5, Phil in 6, Nash in 7, SJ in 6, Chi in 7, NYR in 7, Bos in 7, NJD in 4,

Enjoy the action folks!!

twitter: @simmerpuck

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