NHL Playoffs: 3 Players on Each Team Who Must Stay Healthy for a Cup Run

As the end of the season nears, the list of teams that are still in the race is long; with just a select few looking forward to dusting off the golf clubs.  

As the teams fight for playoff positions and advancement, there are certain players who will play a huge role for the team.  

If any of these players get injured, the team's chances of success seriously diminishes.  

The following takes a look at which players have that importance for their respective teams down the stretch.  

Anaheim Ducks

Jonas Hiller

The Anaheim Ducks have an abundance of offensively talented players who could challenge for this spot, but the level which the Ducks rely on Jonas Hiller can't be compared with.  

Hiller has an amazing 28 starts in a row; a period which has seen the Ducks fight their way back into contention.  

Yes, players like Selanne, Getzlaf and Perry are important to the team's success, but if Hiller went down with an injury tomorrow, the small chance the team has of making the postseason goes out with window.  

Dan Ellis and Jeff Deslauriers simply cannot get it done.  

Teemu Selanne

Earlier in the season, when the Ducks were one of the worst teams, Teemu Selanne's frustration showed how passionate he really is.  

The team's leading point scorer will need to continue his ways if this team is going to complete the come back.

Corey Perry

Corey Perry hasn't been playing like he was last season, but he's still a dangerous threat.

He went down with an upper body injury Saturday night; and if it turns out to be a long time, the Ducks might as well kiss this small playoff hope good bye.   

Boston Bruins

Tim Thomas

The Boston Bruins were an all around force in the playoffs last season. Despite the great team effort, the difference maker in the end came down to goaltending.

Roberto Luongo was shaky, and Tim Thomas was unbeatable.  

With Tuukka Rask now out long-term to injury, the Bruins will depend on Thomas' ability just as much as last year if they plan on a repeat.  

Zdeno Chara

Zdeno Chara, the team's captain, was a monster in the playoffs last year. He plays a shutdown style, but has the ability to post points as well. 

The Bruins will depend on him yet again this postseason.  

Patrice Bergeron

I would not be surprised to see Patrice Bergeron named captain once Zdeno Chara retires. The guy is a natural born leader, and plays an absolutely essential role for the Bruins.  

Bergeron is currently out with a foot injury; with a day-to-day prognosis. 

The Bruins will be praying that it really is day-to-day, as the struggling team could use all the help they can get.  

Buffalo Sabres

Ryan Miller

One month ago, the Buffalo Sabres were one of the worst teams in hockey. Now they sit just two points out of a playoff position. 

The leader among this comeback has been star goalie Ryan Miller, who's underachieving play was a larch part of their lackluster season thus far.  

The play of the team has mirrored that of Miller this season, so if the postseason or Stanley Cup is in their plans, he'll need to be stellar.  

Jason Pominville

Lindy Ruff clearly knew what he was doing when he named Jason Pominville captain, as he's suddenly emerged into the team's leading point-scorer.  

His leadership on and off the ice will need to continue to complete this Cinderella story.  

Christian Ehrhoff

Christian Ehrhoff has the most recent experience going deep in the playoffs as a member of the Vancouver Canucks last season.  

Hopefully he remembers what it takes.  

Calgary Flames

Miikka Kiprusoff

The extent which the Calgary Flames rely on Miikka Kiprusoff is similar to that of Anaheim and Hiller.  

The back-up goaltender rarely gets a start, and isn't good enough to pick up the win when he does.  

The Flames are fighting for their lives right now; and without Miikka Kiprusoff their dreams go down the toilet.  

Jarome Iginla

Jarome Iginla is one goal away from posting 30 for the 11th straight season; an incredible stat. 

I don't think much explanation is necessary for how much he brings to this team.  

Olli Jokinen

Olli Jokinen has rejuvenated his career, and actually finds himself in contention for the team's leading point scorer, along side Jarome Iginla.  

If it weren't for his re-found form, Calgary would not be where they are today. 

Carolina Hurricanes

Eric Staal

Despite a horrible start that saw just 10 points in 24 games for Eric Staal, the captain has regained his form and now sits with 59 points; tied for 22nd in the NHL.  

The 2-0 loss to Florida on Sunday was probably it for the Hurricanes, but if Staal keeps up his play the team can put up a fight before calling it quits.  

Jeff Skinner

The puck control Jeff Skinner displays sometimes makes me think of Pavel Datsyuk.  

Before sustaining a concussion earlier this season, Skinner was one of the better players in the league.  

If he can stay healthy and find his game, the Hurricanes will find themselves winning more games down the stretch.  

Tim Gleason

Tim Gleason is one of the most under-rated defenders in the NHL.  He doesn't put up big numbers, but his defensive play and determination make him a much sought after asset.   

Chicago Blackhawks

Jonathan Toews

Jonathan Toews led the Blackhawks offensively in their cup run two years ago; and the captain displayed similar domination early in this season before going down with an injury.  

Toews hasn't played a game in three weeks since sustaining a concussion, but is making progress.  

Getting the young forward back to health is essential as the Blackhawks, who are much lower in the standings than they'd like to be, as the playoffs approach.  

Duncan Keith

Duncan Keith was a monster in the 2009-2010 season, posting 69 points in the regular season, and another 17 on the way to the Chicago Blackhawks winning the Stanley Cup.  

He knows what's needed of him in the big games, and has the ability to elevate his game and deliver.  

Patrick Sharp

Earlier this season we saw what happens when Patrick Sharp get injured. Patrick Kane's production disappears in absence of his playing partner, and the team drops overall in the standings.  

Hopefully he's over his injury troubles this season.  

Colorado Avalanche

Milan Hejduk

The Colorado Avalanche are just a young team trying to find their stride. Captain Milan Hejduk is the veteran on the team that can help them do that; while contributing offensively along the way.  

With a history playing along side stars like Peter Forsberg and Joe Sakic, a Rocket Richard Trophy, and a Stanley Cup under his belt, Hejduk is the perfect candidate to lead this team through the playoffs.  

Steve Downie

The Colorado Avalanche have started playing like a playoff team since acquiring Steve Downie from the Tampa Bay Lightning. 

Downie has flourished on his new team with 10 points in 9 games with Colorado, who are now tied for eighth in the West.  

Gabriel Landeskog

Gabriel Landeskog has been a pleasant surprise for the Avalanche this season. His 43 points (good for 2nd among rookies) and plus- 19 rating has played a huge part in their surge to the playoff picture.  

We have yet to see Landeskog perform in the playoffs at an NHL level, but if he can continue playing as he has, there will be no problems.  

Columbus Blue Jackets

Rick Nash

The Columbus Blue Jackets take the cake for the first team definitively out of the playoff race this season. The wildly underachieving team sits 24 points out of the playoffs, despite being on a four game winning streak.  

If the team plans to keep up the streak and end the season in anything other than a complete embarrassment, Rick Nash must be healthy and producing.  

After the departure of Jeff Carter, Nash is yet again the only offensive threat on the team.  

James Wisniewski

The Blue Jackets record this season is far greater with Wisniewski in the lineup than without. He brings physicality and offensive ability that is much needed on a poorly achieving Columbus team.  

Jack Johnson

Despite losing two in a row to the best team in the league (St. Louis), the Blue Jackets still have a winning record since acquiring Jack Johnson.  

It's clear that the Blue Jackets are finding a better use for Johnson than they did for Jeff Carter.  

Dallas Stars

Jamie Benn

The Dallas Stars have got to be the hardest team to pick a definitive leader. 

Following the departure of Brad Richards, the Stars had little expectations this season.  

Jamie Benn picked a perfect time to break out, as his offensive abilities have helped lead the team to a surprising Pacific Division lead thus far.  

Although Benn was chosen in this case, there are many players on the team who are playing the perfect role at the perfect time.  

Loui Eriksson

Loui Eriksson is developing into one of the league's most consistent players. He's quietly put up 62 points and a plus- 18 rating this season.  

Jamie Benn is the star on the team, but having a guy as talented and reliable as Eriksson will help greatly down the stretch.  

Keri Lehtonen

Keri Lehtonen is starting to find his stride. Earlier in the season when the Stars were atop the league standings, Lehtonen was behind it. When he got injured, they dropped. He's healthy again and the Stars are surging in the West going 9-0-1 in the last 10. 

The pattern doesn't lie.  

Detroit Red Wings

Jimmy Howard

The Detroit Red Wings have not fared well without Howard between the posts this season. 

Joey McDonald has outplayed Ty Conklin for the backup position, and is finding his stride; but he isn't a goalie they can rely on down the stretch.  

Howard is among the extensive list of injured Red Wings, but a Tuesday night return is possible. 

With a few injuries this season, Howard's health will be a concern for the Red Wings. It may be in their best interest to give Howard a few less games as the season winds down; as the playoffs are a lock for Detroit.  

Pavel Datsyuk

Pavel Datsyuk has been argued as the best player in the league, and for just cause. The poise and control he shows has no boundaries, and nothing seems to phase the guy. 

He was their best player this season before going down with injury, and led the team in points during last year's playoffs.  

Datsyuk is expected back some time next week, and he'll need to be 100% down the stretch if the team is going anywhere.  

Johan Franzen

Johan Franzen is one of those players you can count on to elevate his game in the playoffs. With a career high of 59 points he doesn't appear to be anything special, but it's the almost point per game in the playoffs throughout his career which makes Franzen lethal.  

Franzen will always be viewed as one of the most dangerous playoff performers; provided his team can get him there..which hasn't been a problem in about 20 years.  

Edmonton Oilers

Jordan Eberle

The Edmonton Oilers are among the few teams that are out of the playoff race. 

Despite being done for the season, the young team can still have fun playing the spoiler role, and look forward to next year; as they likely won't be missing the playoffs again for a very, very long time.  

One player who will crucial as the team plays spoiler is future captain Jordan Eberle, who has led the team offensively all season.  

Sam Gagner

He's not going to produce eight points in one game consistently..or ever again for that matter, but Sam Gagner proved to the world what he's capable of, and has been a consistent point producer since.  

Having a unexpectedly dangerous player like that will always catch teams by surprise. It's too bad this might be his last season as an Oiler after the re-signing of Ales Hemsky.  

Taylor Hall

It's hard to pick just three from a team with a plethora of young talent like this. Taylor Hall is deserving of the third spot on this list; but Schultz and Nugent-Hopkins make it a tough choice.  

Taylor Hall won't have a chance to help reach the playoffs this season, but he'll get many chances once this season is all said and done and the Oilers pick up a goaltender.  

Florida Panthers

Brian Campbell

The Florida Panthers currently sit atop the Southeast Division; a spot not nearly as comfortable as it might seem. 

With the Winnipeg Jets, Washington Capitals, and Tampa Bay Lightning all in striking distance, the Panthers are going to have to avoid any slip-ups from here on out. 

In order to do that, Brian Campbell must be healthy. 

The oft criticized ex-Blackhawk currently sits in fourth in points on the Panthers, and second in the league among defenders.  

His incredible performance this season has played a huge role in their success this season.  

Kris Versteeg

It's hard to pick three players on a team like this. They get contribution all around, and from players who are mostly having career seasons.  

One force driving the team to the playoffs is Kris Versteeg. The gritty forward has been an offensive machine for the Panthers, and his playoff history with the Chicago Blackhawks will come in handy if the Panthers are able to make that push to the playoffs.  

Stephen Weiss

Stephen Weiss has been a consistent point producer throughout his career as a Panther, but we've always known he was capable of more.  

This year, he's beginning to deliver on that potential, as the center is just one point back of the team lead. There's no doubt that on a Florida team that can struggle to score sometimes, his offensive abilities will be highly valued in the next few weeks.  

L.A. Kings

Mike Richards

The L.A. Kings haven't found much playoff success in recent years, and despite a stronger team on paper this season, the team is struggling to just reach the postseason.  

When the Philadelphia Flyers made their run to the cup finals two years ago, Mike Richards played a huge role in the success. With 23 points in 23 games during that run, the former Flyer captain will need to lead this team.  

With the renewed chemistry between him and Jeff Carter, reaching the playoffs and making a deep run isn't out of the question.  

Jeff Carter

Losing Jack Johnson for the struggling Jeff Carter was a gamble, and he's going to have to show them it was worth it. 

With four goals in eight games, he hasn't been bad by any means, but reunited with his best friend and long time line-mate, Carter needs to do more to get this team to the playoffs.  

He's struggled with injuries this season, but now as a member of the L.A. Kings, Carter must stay healthy and produce at high levels, as the ninth place Kings are in jeopardy of a majorly disappointing season.  

Anze Kopitar

Anze Kopitar is the franchise player on this team..along with Jonathan Quick and Drew Doughty. He possesses incredible skill, and has the ability to carry this team into the playoffs.  

His 58 points in 69 games isn't bad, but he's shown in the past that he's capable of more, and the team depends on him realizing that.  

Minnesota Wild

Mikko Koivu

The Minnesota Wild are falling in the standings, and they're falling fast. With an injury riddled roster, they're going to have to put something spectacular together in the following weeks to reach the playoffs.  

The most important player to that process is team captain Mikko Koivu, who's currently out with a shoulder injury. Koivu is expected to return in mid-march, but it could be too late by then.  

If not, staying healthy and producing at high levels is absolutely necessary.  

Matt Cullen

Matt Cullen is a complete player, and helps the Minnesota Wild more than it appears. He rarely takes penalties, is a great face-off man, a true leader, and a consistent point producer (although not a lot). When the Minnesota Wild added Cullen, they knew exactly what they were getting, and he hasn't let down.  

What he brings to the team is essential; although their recent slump couldn't have come at a worse time.  

Niklas Backstrom

Niklas Backstrom is a great goalie, and the only thing stopping him from being number one on this list is Josh Harding.  

With one of the best backup goaltenders in the league, Niklas Backstrom's health isn't a main concern. But with a .920 save percentage and 2.44 GA/G, they'd rather have him in the line-up.  

Both Josh Harding and Niklas Backstrom are currently injured, which has probably played a big part in the Wild's rapid drop in the standings.  

While Harding is almost back to full health, Backstrom will be out for quite a while, putting the team in a larger hole to climb out of.  

Montreal Canadiens

Carey Price

In a condensed Eastern Conference, the Montreal Canadiens stand alone at the bottom of the standings, with a playoff future out of sight.  

Since choosing Carey Price of Jaroslav Halak, Price has played at an elite level.  

If he continues playing like he has, the Canadiens could find themselves somewhere other than last place in the East by the end of the season.  

Andrei Markov

It's not a coincidence that the only game played with Markov this season resulted in a win against one of the best teams in the league when Montreal beat Vancouver Saturday.  

Andrei Markov is one of the best defenseman in the league, and his long-term absence most definitely contributed to why the Canadiens are 15th in the East.  

Max Pacioretty

Max Pacioretty has already had an admirable career; returning from a horrific injury to become the leading point scorer on the team.  

The Canadiens haven't been great offensively this year, and there's no telling how bad it would be without Pacioretty's 30 goals thus far.  

Nashville Predators

Pekka Rinne

The Nashville Predators built their team from the net out, and the players essential to the team's success reflect upon that.  

Pekka Rinne is one of the best goaltenders in the league. Despite some new acquisitions at the deadline, Rinne remains the key to the team's success.  

Shea Weber

Shea Weber is the team captain and one of the best defensemen in the game. This team has built their team around defense, and Weber plays a huge part in that.  Without him the Predators may not even be in a playoff position.  

Ryan Suter

The three players on this list really display how Nashville values their team. Ryan Suter has been improving each year of his career, and is on pace to beat his career high in points.  

His offensive and defensive abilities will be essential as the Predators try to get past the second round of the playoffs for the first time.  

New Jersey Devils

Zach Parise

Ilya Kovalchuk may be leading the team offensively this season, but Zach Parise is their best player. 

He missed most of last season due to injury, and the Devils' position in the standings reflected that.  

He is rightfully the team captain, and as the team makes the playoffs and tries to redeem last season, he'll play a huge role.  

Martin Brodeur

Martin Brodeur has been playing like his old self lately. After struggling for the majority of the past two seasons, the Devils can now feel comfortable with Brodeur as the starting goaltender.  

It's not just his regular season number that make Brodeur so valuable, but his experience. With three Stanley Cups in his career, Brodeur knows all too well how to lead his team down the road to victory.  

As his career is winding down, Brodeur will be giving it all he has in an attempt to win one last time.  

Ilya Kovalchuk

The New Jersey Devils' staff can now feel good about Ilya Kovalchuk's massive contract. Lately, he's been one of the best players in the league; if not the best.  

His incredible offensive talent will need to continue for New Jersey to make it deep in the playoffs. 

New York Islanders

Jonathan Tavares

Although unlikely, the New York Islanders still have a chance at reaching the playoffs. In order for that to happen, Jonathan Tavares will need to pick up his game.  

At times this season, he's been unstoppable; at others, nowhere to be seen.  

In order to make the playoffs they'll have to win almost every game from here on out, and see immense productivity from their star center.  

Evgeni Nabokov

The New York Islanders finally have a goaltender who's putting up some respectable numbers. Evgeni Nabokov has been great lately, but he'll have to be even better if the Islanders are going to climb in the standings.  

Mark Streit

Whether or not Mark Streit should be captain can be debated; but not the value he brings to the Islanders' power play.  

The team has improved since last season with the man advantage; and a big part of that is the health of Mark Streit.  

New York Rangers

Henrik Lundqvist

The New York Rangers have been great all-round this season, but they simply wouldn't be where they are without Henrik Lundqvist.  

The team is built around him, and for good reason.  

If he goes down with an injury, don't be surprised to see an early playoff exit for the Rangers.  

Dan Girardi

Many people were surprised to see Girardi voted into the All-Star game, but he deserved it 100%.  He's been an incredible shut down defenseman, and has picked up a plus- 13 rating and 23 points in the process.  

The Rangers will rely on him greatly as they try to keep the number one spot in the East over the surging Pittsburgh Penguins.  

Ryan Callahan

Ryan Callahan could be the best captain in the NHL; possessing the most desired qualities. He produces offensively (already tied with his career high), is sound defensively, lays out huge hits, and gives it 100% every shift of the game.  

If Callahan was injured; or not captain for that matter, the Rangers would not be where they are today.  

Ottawa Senators

Jason Spezza

The Ottawa Senators have defied all odds this season, as the rebuilding team finds themselves in a solid playoff position; eight points ahead of ninth place.  

The success has been much attributed to the comeback of Jason Spezza, who's re-found his form after a few seasons of injuries and underachievement.  

The NHL's fourth leading point scorer needs to continue playing at elite levels if the inexperienced team is going to make anything of the postseason.  

Daniel Alfredsson

Speaking of players who've re-found their form...Daniel Alfredsson, the team's long-serving captain, looked like a player denying inevitable retirement last season, but has managed an admirable return.  

His play has earned him 49 points in 63 games thus far this season, earning the captaincy at the All-Star game along the way.  

Daniel Alfredsson's leadership and experience has played a huge part in the team's success this season, and will continue to do so in the playoffs.  

Erik Karlsson

Erik Karlsson's breakout season couldn't have come at a better time. The Senators, who were expected to be one of the worst teams in the league, would not be where they are if it wasn't for his incredible 67 points in 68 games this season, leading all defenders.  

Philadelphia Flyers

Claude Giroux

It's no surprise to see Giroux atop this list. 

After trading away franchise forwards Mike Richards and Jeff Carter, Claude Giroux has blossomed into the team's offensive leader.  

His season, which may earn him an MVP nomination is the main reason the Flyers sit in fifth place in the highly competitive Eastern Conference.  

The young forward lead the team in last year's playoffs with 12 points in 9 games, and they'll need a similar performance this season if they plan on going further.  

Danny Briere

He may be sixth on the team for points this season, but come playoffs, Danny Briere brings his game to a new level.  

With a point per game in last years playoffs, and 30 in 23 two seasons ago to lead all playoff performers, there's no denying how important he is to the team.  

Chris Pronger

Chris Pronger is the team's captain and an absolute monster in the playoffs. Unfortunately, he's already ruled out for this postseason with severe post-concussion symptoms.  

His absence puts the pressure on Giroux and Briere just that much higher.  

Phoenix Coyotes

Mike Smith

The unexpected success of the Phoenix Coyotes in the past few years has been largely attributed to the goaltending of Ilya Bryzgalov.  

Upon his departure in the offseason, many believed the Coyotes would be a non-force in the West.  

Mike Smith has managed to step in and post a .925 save percentage -- good enough for eighth in the NHL.  

While the whole team performance has been admirable, they would not be where they are today if it weren't for the goaltending of Mike Smith, as the team is a measly 4-8-3 without him.  

The Coyotes are currently in a playoff position, but they don't have any breathing room. Mike Smith must stay healthy for the team to reach the playoffs, let alone make anything of it.  

Ray Whitney

Ray Whitney is as ageless as they get. The Coyotes undoubtedly would not be where they are if it weren't for Whitney's 61 points and plus- 21 rating.  

Radim Vrbata

Radim Vrbata is another player who chose the right time to have a breakout season. Each goal he gets is a new career high, and one more point will match his best season.  

Vrbata's offensive talent will be heavily relied upon down the stretch.  

Pittsburgh Penguins

Sidney Crosby

Despite the great play of Claude Giroux and Evgeni Malkin this season, it's hard to deny that Sidney Crosby is the best hockey player in the world.  

With his return expected this week, things are looking great for the Pittsburgh Penguins, who've won nine straight games.  

If Crosby can return for good this time, the Penguins will be a favorite for the Stanley Cup.  

Marc-Andre Fleury

The Penguins haven't fared well without Fleury in net this year, going 5-7-2.  

What makes him so valuable isn't the numbers next to his name this season, but the Stanley Cup he's got on his resume. Marc-Andre Fleury knows what it takes to go all the way, and that experience will be needed.  

Evgeni Malkin

You might be surprised to see the league's leading point scorer ranked third on his own team; but that highlights the incredible depth of the Penguins rather than knocking on Malkin's abilities.  

His performance this year has been spectacular, and if he can keep it up through the playoffs the Penguins should advance smoothly.  

San Jose Sharks

Antti Niemi

Antti Niemi hasn't played spectacular this season. But on a team riddled with choke artists, they're going to rely heavily on the only player who knows what it takes to go all the way.  

Despite one of the best teams on paper, the Sharks find themselves out of a playoff position. Niemi will need to be solid night in and night out to help his team fight their way to the postseason.  

Joe Pavelski

In the playoffs two seasons ago, Joe Pavelski proved he could step up his play in big games, posting 17 points in 15 playoff games. Although he wasn't quite as dominant last year in the playoffs, the Sharks will be hoping he can find that form again.  

Brent Burns

As mentioned, the Sharks have earned quite the reputation of leaving the playoffs earlier than planned. 

Their playoff failures have been an all-round effort; so it's time to rely on someone who has yet to earn that reputation.  

Brent Burns is currently finishing up his first season in San Jose, one that hasn't been quite as successful as he would've hoped. That said, Burns has the size and skill to control the pace of the game, and he'll need to start doing so if the Sharks are going to avoid another disappointment.  

St. Louis Blues

Jaroslav Halak

Brian Elliott has been arguably the best goaltender in the NHL this season. 

But in the postseason two years ago for the Montreal Canadians, Jaroslav Halak put together one of the best playoff performances in the history of the sport, and the value that brings to the young Blues is incomparable.  

David Backes

David Backes is the ideal captain; the team's offensive leader, hit leader, and even drops the gloves here and there. His leadership and grit will be huge for the number one team in the league as they look to advance through the playoffs. 

Alex Pietrangelo

This list is full of players who've just broken out into the scene; and Alex Pietrangelo is another. The young defenseman currently sits fifth in the league for points among defenders, and is improving by the game.  

He's found great success this season quarterbacking the power play, and hopefully will continue to do so after the season comes to an end.  

Tampa Bay Lightning

Martin St. Louis

Usually when a team plays the role of seller at the deadline, their playoff hopes have ended; but that isn't the case for the Tampa Bay Lightning.  

Despite a 3-2-1 record since the deadline, the Lightning find themselves six points out of the playoffs, in a playoff race so tight that one slip could cost the season.  

Steven Stamkos may be the team's offensive leader, but Martin St. Louis has the experience, skill and leadership to get the job done.  

St. Louis was the point leader during the Lightning's Eastern final run last spring, proving that at age 36 he's still capable of stepping up in big games.  

Steven Stamkos

It's impossible to leave the NHL's most dangerous scorer off the list. Steven Stamkos' offensive abilities contribute so much to the Tampa Bay Lightning, and they'll need to keep doing so if the team is to make the playoffs.  

Dwayne Roloson

Dwayne Roloson has been the worst goaltender in the league this season, but last spring he was the best player on the team as they defied all odds to reach the Eastern finals.  

Roloson needs to find his game from last year, and he needs to do it now; as with Mathieu Garon injured for the next month, the Lightning don't have much choice.  

Toronto Maple Leafs

Dion Phaneuf

Everything's been going wrong for the Toronto Maple Leafs recently. Their losing streak has almost eliminated them from the race; but until it's literally impossible, there's still a tiny shred of hope. 

Team captain Dion Phaneuf is the only man, if any, who can turn this team's fortunes around. 

Whether it's locker room motivation, a goal, or another bone crushing hit, all the weight is on Phaneuf to provide a much needed spark.  

Joffrey Lupul

The Maple Leafs didn't just lose Lupul's numbers when he went out with an injury, but a portion of Phil Kessel's as well. The chemistry between the two has been great all season, and without Lupul, they simply aren't dangerous enough.  

Lupul's injury is expected to be a long-term one, leaving little hope for the Leafs.  

Mikhail Grabovski

As mentioned, the Maple Leafs first line has had incredible chemistry this season. 

Having two dangerous scoring lines can cause trouble for the oppositions defense; which is what Grabovski provides.  

If he were to go down with injury, the top line would be the only scoring threat, making defensive match-ups a walk in the park.  

Vancouver Canucks

Ryan Kesler

The opposition puts a ton of focus on the Sedin twins during the playoffs; a big reason why they don't produce as much as the regular season.  

This presents a huge opportunity for Ryan Kesler and his line-mates. 

The assistant captain played a huge role in the playoffs last season, and they'll need him to do so again.  

Cory Schneider

Roberto Luongo has been great this season, but Cory Schneider still has a slight advantage in the stats.  

Given Luongo's history of inconsistencies in the playoffs, I would be much more concerned losing Cory Schneider than Luongo, and I'd expect most fans to agree.  

If Luongo has another meltdown, it is essential that Schneider is healthy and can step in and lead the way.  

Alexander Edler

Alexander Edler is a different man once that 82nd game ends. In the playoffs he is contributes all his usual attributes, but also transforms into a hit leader.  

With grit and size a concern for the Canucks down the road, they'll benefit greatly from his physical play.  

Washington Capitals

Nicklas Backstrom

On an underachieving Washington Capitals this season, Nicklas Backstrom was the one bright spot on the team, posting 42 points in 38 games.  

He has overtaken Alexander Ovechkin as the offensive leader on the team, and they depend on him to carry this team.  

Unfortunately, he's been out since early January with a concussion, with no return in sight; leaving a deep playoff run unlikely for the cup starved team.  

Tomas Vokoun 

Tomas Vokoun has been the best goalie on the team this season. With 14 years of NHL experience under his belt, he'll surely be the go-to guy down the stretch.  

Alexander Ovechkin

Alexander Ovechkin has been slumping for a very, very long time. That said, he still has incredible talent and is one of the most passionate players in the game.  

There have been games this season where shades of the old Ovechkin was shown.  

The Capitals will need Ovechkin to pick up his game if they're going anywhere.  

Winnipeg Jets

Andrew Ladd

Unless your team is a bubble team in the East, just about everyone is rooting for the Winnipeg Jets. 

It would be a great story for the long awaited return of the Jets to reward fans with a playoff appearance.  

In order to make that happen, Andrew Ladd must be healthy.  

The team captain has picked up his play lately, and the team's record reflects upon that.  

At ninth in the East, it's going to be an intense battle in the coming weeks. But if they can reach that goal, Ladd's experience winning the cup with Chicago will come in handy.  

Dustin Byfuglien

Speaking of ex-Blackhawks who could come in handy; Dustin Byfuglien played a huge role in the back to back Vancouver defeats before Chicago ultimately hoisted the cup.  

His rocket of a shot and physical play will be very needed for the young Jets.  

Evander Kane

Evander Kane has broken out this season as a dangerous scoring threat.  

Anyone who's seen him play understands why he'll help the Jets find success and have a great NHL career.