NHL Playoffs 2012: Stars Who Will Carry Their Teams To Victory

The 2012 NHL playoffs will feature the best and brightest stars the world of hockey has to offer, some of which will single-handedly carry their team to victory.

These men lead by example, and they will come through with monster performances in the playoffs this year.

Here are the top three stars who'll bear the weight and come through with flying colors.

Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals

Ovechkin hasn't been a dominant force on the ice for a few years. That doesn't mean he's finished. 

A two-time league MVP, Ovechkin is still capable of putting on a display of excellence. He hasn't needed to score as much in the past couple of years due to the incredible scoring balance the Nationals have had.

They face the feisty Boston Bruins in the first round and Ovechkin is going to need to conjure up his old tricks if the Capitals hope to upset the Bruins.

Bold prediction: Ovechkin will come through with a hat trick in the first round.

Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins

Malkin is the best forward in the NHL, hands down. 

The Penguins are getting ready to face the Philadelphia Flyers in what should be one of the most exciting matchups in the first round.

They will need Malkin to be at the top of his game in order to pull out the win against the Flyers. 

Malkin led the Penguins in both goals scored and assists. He is invaluable to their success and if he doesn't play well, they won't win.

Bold prediction: Malkin will average three points a game in the first round.

Marion Gaborik, New York Rangers

After suffering through a sub-par season a year ago, Gaborik is back to his old tricks. He scored 41 goals this year—third in the NHL in that category—while pitching in 35 assists. 

The Rangers face the Ottawa Senators in the first round. The Senators have trouble stopping teams from scoring, ranking 24th in the NHL in that department. 

This sets up Gaborik for an opportunity to dominate the ice when the two teams face one another. 

Bold prediction: Gaborik will average two assists and one goal in the first round.

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