6 "other" guys to watch

1) Wayne Simmonds - strong on his feet, despite being -5 versus Pitt this season overall, he had 3 goals and 3 assists in 6 games. Look for this physical stalwart to score a big goal or two from in front. May be one of the last men standing, ha ha. Great pick-up by GM Paul Holmgren. Only 23-years-of-age, "Simmer" played every game and scored far-and-away a career high 28 goals.

2) Chris Kunitz - No surprise here. A key pick-up at the deadline in 2009, who added 13 playoff assists and 19 PIM in the Cup run, Kunitz is a savvy veteran at age-32. Experienced the full run in Anaheim as well. Not afraid, he's a great compliment to the Sid and Geno threats. Played in all 82 games for just the 2nd time in his career.

3) If I told you Valtteri Filppula was the first Finn to ever play for the Red Wings, would you believe me? Look it up. Overshadowed by Planet Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg, Filppula finished with 66 points in 81 games this season. He's sipped from the Cup before. He's crafty.

4) Martin Erat - Team leading scorer as key guy? Gee there's a stretch. But there's a little more to it in Nashville, where everyone flies under the radar and "leading scorer" means a whopping 58 points. His screw-up in the opening round two years ago allowed Chicago to survive and go on to the Cup. Last year his team took a step to the next round. This year? Another step? Erat, a Predator for a decade plus, must lead by example.

5) Matt Greene - The native of Grand Ledge, Michigan is a beast, at 6-3, 230 pounds. He must keep his sanity, while those around him are losing theirs. The Canucks will cycle and cycle and get chippy in the offensive zone. Disciplined physicality is the key and Greene's 17 minutes a night must be quality. Too many minuses and PIM's in past P.O.'s. He's another guy who played all 82 this season. The D, 1 through 6, are the key for the Kings.

6) Alexander Edler - The Canucks are loaded again, and offense from their D makes it especially frightening. Edler had 49 points this season, 11 goals, five of them on the power play. He finished the postseason -4 last year, pretty much because of the pounding he took in the Boston series. He needs to stay at least even this postseason (which is exactly what he was over 82 games). Left-handed shot from the point.

Enjoy the action.

@simmerpuck

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