7 NHL Players to Watch as the Playoffs Near

As the playoffs approach, individual players need to step up to the proverbial plate and help push their teams deep into the postseason.

That said, not every team has punched their ticket into the playoffs. While some teams' spots in the playoffs are indeed guaranteed at this point, others need their big guns to step up and help grab a postseason position.

Here are seven players to keep your eyes on, not only during the playoffs, but as the final few games are being played.  

Nicklas Backstrom

Coming off a concussion that saw him miss over two months of action, Nicklas Backstrom has returned just in time for the Washington Capitals push into the playoffs.

Despite missing a considerable amount of time, Backstrom is still fifth on the team in points. It will be interesting to see if Backstrom can continue to be productive coming off the concussion, as he needs to shake off the rust from missing such a great deal of time.

If Backstrom can get back to form quickly, he can make sure Washington clinches that last spot in the east. 

Evgeni Malkin

A player that will continue to have all eyes on him is Evgeni Malkin, who has had to pick up the slack in Sidney Crosby's absence.

At this point, the Pittsburgh Penguins have clinched a spot in the eastern conference playoffs, with Malkin leading the way. The playoffs are a whole different game though, as teams go for broke to make sure they get closer to the Stanley Cup.

It will be interesting to see if Malkin can continue to put up huge numbers, as he has already registered 48 goals and 54 assists this season. If Malkin can continue to dominate, the Penguins postseason is looking promising. 

David Backes

There are a number of St. Louis Blues players that you should keep an eye on, as the Blues have gone from the bottom of the barrel to the top end of the western conference. But most eyes should fall on the leader of the team, David Backes.

Backes is the captain of the resurgent Blues, putting up modest numbers in helping push the Blues into the playoffs. The leader of the team leads in goals and points, which has been crucial for the success of the Blues.

His leadership has also been key, adding to his value. Backes is definitely a player to watch in the coming weeks. 

Daniel Sedin

Daniel Sedin is not only a player to watch for because he is currently out with a concussion, but because he is crucial for the Vancouver Canucks success.

Sedin was blasted by Chicago defenseman Duncan Keith not long ago and suffered from a concussion. It is unknown if he will be available for the playoffs, but he is a guy Vancouver needs to win the Stanley Cup this year.

He is not only important because he is a skilled player himself, but his brother Henrik is not the same player without Daniel on his line. Vancouver is a talented team, but Daniel's return is a necessity. 

Corey Crawford

Last night the Chicago Blackhawks clinched their spot in the playoffs, but they have a major issue going into the postseason. 

Chicago's goaltending, or lack thereof, has been troubling to the former Stanley Cup champs. They have shuffled between Corey Crawford and Ray Emery all season, with neither turning in games that can win them the Stanley Cup.

It appears that Crawford will be the man to lead them into the playoffs, but after last night's performance, there are still worries in Chicago. Crawford blew a four goal lead, but he would thankfully be bailed out by a late goal by Brent Seabrook.

All eyes on are on Crawford now, as he must produce to make Chicago successful in the playoffs.

Sergei Bobrovsky

The Philadelphia Flyers have clinched their spot in the playoffs, but their starting goalie Ilya Bryzgalov is down with an injury. Therefore, backup Sergei Bobrovsky will need to carry the torch for Philadelphia come playoff time. 

It is not certain what Bryzgalov's status is for the playoffs, but he will not be one-hundred percent either way. It is going to be up to Bobrovsky to play a considerable amount of time.

Goaltending is key in the game of hockey, and if Philadelphia wants to make a splash in the playoffs, Bobrovsky needs to step up big time.

Tomas Fleischmann

The Florida Panthers are making it to the playoffs this year, a surprise in my eyes. This has been possible due to contributions from all over the roster, but the work put in by Tomas Fleischmann has been most valuable.

Fleischmann has turned in 58 points this season, which is good enough for the most on the team. Fleischmann is a gifted winger and has flown under the radar this season. 

Now is the time to keep your eye on Fleischmann, as he leads the Panthers into the postseason. His performances will be a measure of how well the Panthers will fare.