8 NHL Players Who Deserve More Attention

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Hockey Day in Canada, the upcoming trade deadline and the impending playoff races mean that the NHL is shining in the spotlight.

While many times the game's biggest stars get all the attention, it's the game's unsung heroes that make the sport great.

These players may not have the most fans, sell the most jerseys or have a chance at the Hall of Fame, but they are the type of player every team desires. They show up to the rink and do whatever is asked of them to make their teams better.

These guys rarely come to mind at first when their team is mentioned; instead, they make the superstar players around them better.

While it's true that some of these men are already All-Stars, that doesn't mean they get enough credit.

It's time to give credit where credit is due. 

Honorable Mention: James Reimer Is the Future in Toronto

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The Toronto Maple Leafs have a budding star between the pipes in James Reimer.

Reimer has a modest 10-6-4 record this season, but he's getting hot when it counts.

Fans can see his confidence grow with every game as the 23-year-old continues to impress.

With the Maple Leafs in the playoff hunt, Reimer will be the one to lead the way, as the Leafs will make the playoffs for the first time in years.

This news is great for the game, and Reimer deserves some early praise for making it happen.

Dennis Wideman Is the Reason the Washington Capitals Will Make the Playoffs

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Dennis Wideman has been the key for the Washington Capitals this season.

Very few fans would guess that Wideman is third on the team with 38 points at the moment.

Wideman was named an All-Star this year, but defensemen are often forgotten about.

He's on pace for a career year in points and has been solid on the blue line all season for the Caps.

Without Wideman, the Caps would be near the bottom of the Eastern Conference.

Instead, the team should make the playoffs with a strong finish. The Caps are currently in ninth in the conference, but they have the tools to make it happen.

Wideman has found a home for years to come in the District of Columbia.

Scott Hartnell Is Hated in All Places but the City of Brotherly Love

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Philadelphia Flyers left winger Scott Hartnell is one of the game's best agitators.

The Flyers are one of the most exciting teams to watch in the NHL, but no one would have guessed that Hartnell would be a big part of that reason before the season began.

With stars like Jaromir Jagr and Claude Giroux, who would have thought that Hartnell would lead the team in goals to this point?

He was a late addition to the All-Star team only because his numbers demanded it.

Right now, he's all smiles and is the reason the Flyers have a shot at the Stanley Cup.

Patrick Sharp Is the Forgotten One in the Windy City

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Patrick Sharp is a downright star in the NHL.

His only problem is that he's overshadowed by names like Marian Hossa, Jonathon Toews and Patrick Kane.

Sharp has tallied 46 points thus far and is a vital part to the Blackhawks' success.

The Blackhawks may be on a serious losing streak, but Sharp has six points in his last four games.

He's as good as they get and could shine on another team.

Todd Bertuzzi May Have a Tattered Past, but He Has Resurrected His Career

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Todd Bertuzzi is a perfect fit in a Detroit Red Wings jersey.

He's not expected to produce a ton, yet he comes up big when it's needed most.

Bertuzzi will take a crosscheck to the kidneys, drop the gloves and net a game-winning shootout goal all in a single night.

He has a chance to net 20-plus goals this year, which would be the most from Bertuzzi since the 2005-06 season.

He's become an integral part of a franchise that can't stop winning.

Sam Gagner Has Finally Exploded

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Sam Gagner was once written off for dead in an Edmonton Oilers' uniform—now he can't stop scoring.

Gagner has 15 points in his last five games, and things are looking good for the 22-year-old.

Because the Oilers have had back-to-back No. 1 overall picks in the NHL draft, Gagner was somewhat forgotten about behind Taylor Hall and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins until recently.

Everyone now knows who he is and will for the next decade, as Gagner and the Oilers are headed for the promised land.

Brian Elliot May Be an All-Star, but He's Still Being Cast as a "Never Will Be"

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Thanks to the play of Brian Elliot, the St. Louis Blues are in the thick of the playoff race.

Yes—Elliot was an All-Star this season, but it seems that everyone is waiting for his bubble to burst.

He's 17-5-2 this season and leads the NHL in goals-against average (1.62) and save percentage (.940). This is much improved from his career goals-against average (2.70) and save percentage (.907).

Truth be told, Elliot has found his groove in St. Louis.

Combined with fellow goaltender Jaroslav Halak, the Blues support a league-leading 1.9 goals against/game.

Dan Girardi Is Hands Down One of the Best

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Dan Girardi is the most underrated defenseman in the NHL.

Sure, an All-Star selection may tell some that he's widely known now, but Girardi has just begun to become highly respected.

Girardi may only have 19 points on the season, but it's the intangibles where he becomes so valuable.

He's a leader who blocks shots religiously.

The New York Rangers lead the Eastern Conference because of Girardi's presence.

The 27-year-old will be the best the NHL has to offer for some time to come.

Matt Moulson Is the NHL's Best Scorer That No One Has Ever Heard Of...Yet

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Matt Moulson can simply put the puck in the back of the net.

His 24 goals currently leads the New York Islanders. Moulson is well on his way to his third straight 30-plus-goal season.

Why is Moulson not so well known?

Part of the reason may be because he plays for the New York Islanders. The other part may be because the only player many fans can name off of the Islanders is John Tavares.

Whether you know of Moulson or not, now is the time to pay attention to him.

This guy is a dream to watch on the ice—he gets it done.

 

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