NHL Playoff Schedule 2012: Jason Spezza and Players Ready to Shine Tonight

The second night of the NHL playoffs is tonight, and there are a few exciting matchups in store. The defending champion Boston Bruins kick off their series with the Washington Capitals, and the Chicago Blackhawks battle the Phoenix Coyotes, among others.

If you're looking for stars—or at least, players who will shine like one—here is a shortlist of players ready to stand out in tonight's matchups.

Jason Spezza, Ottawa Senators

Spezza has had an awesome season for the Senators this year. He has amassed 34 goals and 50 assists, and his play is a huge reason why the Senators are in the postseason.

Tonight they kick off their series against the top seed in the Eastern Conference, the New York Rangers.

The Senators are the underdogs, of course, but they have reason to believe they can compete. Ottawa took three-of-four from the Rangers during the regular season, and Spezza was huge in those games.

He had four goals, two assists and was plus-four overall. 

The playoffs are a different animal, but Spezza's breakout season should continue—as should his success against the Rangers.

Patrice Bergeron, Boston Bruins

Bergeron didn't light the lamp much against the Caps this year, but he certainly played his part in the Bruins' attack. 

Though Boston dropped three-of-four against Washington, Bergeron shined. He dished out six assists and was plus-six during the four regular-season meetings.

The Bruins will need better play in goal from Tim Thomas to win, but Bergeron should be the same steady presence when he's on the ice.

Brian Elliott or Jaroslav Halak, St. Louis Blues

It hasn't mattered who was in goal this season for the Blues, especially against the Sharks. Both Elliott and Halak have been phenomenal.

Elliott would normally get the nod in Game 1 with his league-leading 1.56 goals against average, but he has an upper body injury that may keep him out.

If he doesn't play, Halak can fill in nicely.

During the season, Halak stopped 43 Sharks shots over two games, allowing only one goal and hanging a shutout on them in February.

If Elliott plays, the results haven't been much better. He also shut the Sharks out, and allowed only two goals in the previous matchup—all wins.

It's going to be a long series for the Sharks.