NHL Playoff Schedule 2012: Underrated Players Who Will Spark Round 1 Upsets

The NHL playoffs are set to begin on Wednesday with several matchups that have the potential to go either way, which illustrates why the hockey postseason is so exciting. The amount of parity throughout the league makes for tremendous drama.

Let's take a look at three players who casual fans might not know about yet, but that will change following their performances in opening-round upsets. For a complete look at the playoff schedule, check out the league's official site.

Adam Henrique

Even though Henrique was only a rookie, the New Jersey Devils used him in every conceivable situation and he thrived in all of them. Whether he was serving as a playmaker on the power play or playing lock-down defense on the penalty kill, Henrique proved he can do it all.

He scored 51 points in 74 games, and was the only one of New Jersey's top five scorers to finish with a positive rating. His two-way abilities make him an invaluable asset for the Devils, who will face off with a pesky Florida Panthers squad in the first round.

Since the Devils have to start on the road, they'll be looking to establish a defensive posture in the first two games. That means Henrique will likely see a lot of minutes during crunch time, making him a star when his team advances.

Valtteri Filppula

Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk steal most of the Detroit Red Wings' spotlight, but Filppula has developed into a terrific third option. He set a new career-high point total with 66 and should just be entering his prime seasons.

Play tends to get bogged down in the playoffs as teams attempt to eliminate odd-man rushes, so it's important that teams have multiple lines that can produce offense. Filppula gives Detroit some much-needed offensive depth for its battle with the Nashville Predators.

Filppula will probably spend a lot of time battling Paul Gaustad, who the Predators acquired at the trade deadline, and whichever center gains the upper hand will have his team the edge. That's why I lean toward the Red Wings sneaking on to Round 2.

Dave Bolland

Bolland has been battling some nagging injuries, but the Chicago Blackhawks will need him at full strength to knock off the Phoenix Coyotes in the first round. Since the teams play contrasting styles, Chicago needs Bolland to level the playing field.

He's reliable in the defensive end and has stepped up with Jonathan Toews out. With his fellow talented center back in the lineup soon, Bolland will be able to slide back into his more accustomed role on the third line. That should help further prove his value.

This should be an extended, physical series and those are exactly the type of conditions where player like Bolland tends to stand out. Look for the Blackhawks to advance, but not before a few scares from the Coyotes.