NHL Playoffs 2012: Unheralded Players Sure to Star in Postseason

The 2012 NHL playoff field is set. Each playoff team has their strengths and weaknesses, their star players and their role players.

Household names are expected to perform in the postseason. It is the role players who will make or break their respective teams' Stanley Cup dreams.

These five players will break out in this year's NHL playoffs.

Patrik Berglund, C, St. Louis Blues

Berglund must score goals for the Blues to make a deep run into this year's playoffs.

Berglund does not get the attention that David Perron, David Backes or T.J. Oshie get. His 19 goals and 38 overall points suggest that he should.

The Blues are known for their stingy defense. Their ability to shut down elite offenses got them into the postseason, but they need to score more if they want to stick around.

Andy McDonald and Backes have both missed time late in the year due to injury. Berglund has filled a larger role on offense. He will continue to produce under the bright playoff lights.

Berglund's 6'4'' frame makes him difficult to push around. He plays very physical and is very aggressive around the net. Berglund also has a heavy shot and a quick release.

Berglund needs to work on his finesse and agility, but his physical presence fits well into Ken Hitchcock's rugged style of play. Hitchcock loves two-way forwards, and Berglund's work ethic fits the bill.

The Blues will get bounced early if they do not score enough to help their impressive defense. Berglund will be a huge piece of that puzzle now that he has his time to shine.

Pascal Dupuis, RW, Pittsburgh Penguins

Dupuis does not have Evgeni Malkin's talent, James Neal's size or Sidney Crosby's leadership. But he does have 24 goals this season.

Dupuis has been a pleasant surprise since arriving in Pittsburgh with Marian Hossa in 2008. His work ethic and willingness to fill any available role has made Dupuis a valuable commodity to the Penguins.

He does not just score goals—Dupuis has 34 assists and a plus-18 rating. Dupuis is an underrated passer with an eye for the open man.

The Penguins' system relies on their defensemen to pinch into the offensive zone. This can leave their defensive zone vulnerable and requires forwards who can play both ways.

Dupuis is a capable defender because of his speed. He is not a big player, but he knows how to leverage himself against larger opponents.

Opposing teams will focus on the likes of Malkin, Neal and Crosby in the playoffs. Dupuis will take advantage of that with the astounding slapshot Penguin fans have grown to love.

Johnny Boychuk, D, Boston Bruins

The Boston Bruins are the most physical team in hockey. Boychuk is an intimidating part of their toughness.

Boychuk is battling a knee injury suffered against the Penguins, but is expected to play in Game 1 of the playoffs.

The Bruin defenseman only has five goals this season. His strength lies deep in Boston's end and is reflected by his plus-27 rating.

Boychuk logs a ton of minutes and locks up with the opposing team's best offensive players. He uses his stocky frame to slow skill players down and his physical play to get in their heads.

The Bruins are privileged to have skilled, physical players on their front lines. Boychuk does not get the attention of Tyler Seguin or Milan Lucic, but he should. His production does not show up on the box score but is just as valuable.

Boychuk's presence will calm Bruin fans as they gear up for playoff hockey. He is reliable, physical and battle-tested.

Andrew Shaw, C, Chicago Blackhawks

The size of Shaw's heart makes up for his lack of size. The Blackhawks' skill is widely recognized, but their gritty players will determine the length of their playoff run.

Shaw is young and does not have playoff experience. He enters the 2012 playoffs with little expected of him.

Shaw will use those low expectations to his advantage.

Patrick Kane and Patrick Sharp are very skilled players, but do not do the little things at times.

Star center Jonathan Toews has only played 59 games this season because of a concussion. His playoff status is uncertain. That means Shaw will need to continue his meaningful minutes.

Shaw only has 11 goals and 11 assists this season. He is a scrappy player who scores because of his nose for the puck.

The Blackhawks have questions on defense. Their toughness is also debatable. They need players who are willing to get into the cracks and fight for pucks.

Shaw will do the dirty work for the Blackhawks and defy expectations in the 2012 playoffs. His heart is guaranteed to earn him a few huge goals in the postseason.

Carl Hagelin, LW, New York Rangers

Hagelin will not play like a rookie in the 2012 NHL playoffs.

Hagelin only plays 15 minutes per game for the Rangers, but he makes the most of it. Hagelin has scored 14 goals in 63 games this year. He also has 24 assists.

Hagelin's plus-22 rating is even more impressive. His prowess on both ends of the ice is rare for a player his age.

The Rangers rely on their defense and Henrik Lundqvist to win their games. Marian Gaborik, Brad Richards and Ryan Callahan are their obvious goal-scorers. Hagelin frequently goes unnoticed.

Hagelin's speed and skating ability allows him to break free of opposing defenses. He has a great snapshot and does not need a lot of room to release. He is very opportunistic and provides instant offense.

The Rangers struggle to score at times. Hagelin is not the player other teams tend to plan for, but he will challenge that mentality right away.