NHL Playoff Predictions 2012: Players Who Will Turn Sleepers into Contenders

This is going to be a fascinating NHL playoff because there is not an easy out, as the lower seeds in this year's NHL playoffs are loaded with talent. And for some of the teams, that talent is going to pave the way to success. 

You can expect a few surprises in these playoffs, and here are the players that will be driving the upset train. 

Jonathan Quick, G, Los Angeles Kings

The Kings squeaked into the playoffs as the eighth seed, but they are going to make much more noise than the typical eighth seed. 

That is due to the man they have in net, Jonathan Quick. He has been playing fantastic hockey, and he is ready to bring that to the playoffs. 

Quick is second in the NHL in GAA and fifth in save percentage at .929. So while the Kings will continue to struggle to score, they will be able to withstand this because Quick will keep them in every game.  

Alex Ovechkin, LW, Washington Capitals 

Ovechkin has gone through an up-and-down season, and certainly had a year that is far below the incredibly lofty standards he has established for himself. 

The same can be said for his team. The Capitals disappointed by winding up with the seventh seed. However, all of that can be erased with a nice playoff run, and Ovechkin is ready to lead the charge. 

Ovechkin has 11 goals in his last 13 games. He has looked aggressive and lethal, and when he catches fire, he can carry this team.

Martin Brodeur, G, New Jersey Devils

At 39, Brodeur is well past the prime that made him a legend. However, that doesn't mean he can't recapture that form for brief periods. That is exactly what he will do in these playoffs. And with a dominant Brodeur in the net, New Jersey is a much tougher opponent than their sixth seed suggests. 

Brodeur is healthy and ready to go. He turned in a solid season, and he is aimed at peaking for the playoffs. 

Over the last three games of the season, all New Jersey wins, Brodeur saved 76 of 79 shots. That is a save percentage of .962.

If he can keep rolling at a pace anywhere near that, the Devils will be a factor.