NHL Playoffs 2012: 3 Key Players in Carl Hagelin's Absence for New York Rangers

The dust has settled, and Brendan Shanahan has ruled the New York Rangers will be without standout rookie Carl Hagelin for the next three games due to his illegal elbow to Daniel Alfredsson in Game 2 on Saturday night.

Since being moved to the top line with Marian Gaborik and Brad Richards in mid-March, Hagelin has arguably been the catalyst to their offensive success, utilizing his speed and dog-on-a-bone mentality to chase down pucks and create a dynamic scoring line.

With Hagelin in the press box now, someone will have to step up in his absence.

Here are three candidates to do just that.

3. Artem Anisimov

Artem Anisimov's third full season in the NHL brought disappointment, as the young Russian forward finished the season with 36 points—down from 44 the previous season.

At times, Anisimov was a bright spot on offense, but more often than not was invisible on both ends of the ice.

Now would be a great time to step up offensively.

Through two playoff games, Anisimov has three assists—including one on the power play—playing with Derek Stepan and captain Ryan Callahan.

We've seen flashes of brilliance from Anisimov throughout his career. With Hagelin out and the series tied at one, finding some consistent offense from a secondary source such as Anisimov would help the Rangers tremendously.

2. Chris Kreider

Is it foolish to expect a rookie to provide a pro NHL team with some secondary offense in the playoffs?

Yes, unless we're talking about Chris Kreider.

With Hagelin gone and the Rangers lacking scoring depth, it's conceivable the Boston College standout, who finished with 45 points in 44 games during his 2011-12 campaign, could make his NHL debut thrust in the middle of a rough playoff series with the Ottawa Senators.

Desperate times call for desperate measures.

Some of the other options for New York—including slotting in 6'7'' lumbering forward John Scott for his first playoff game with the Rangers—are less than desirable. 

Kreider's scouting report says he has a tremendous shot and speed similar to Carl Hagelin, but better (is that even possible?).

It all depends on what direction head coach John Tortorella wants to go in. A baptism by fire with Kreider could reap the highest reward.

1. Brandon Dubinsky

Is there any other athlete at the moment that needs an opportunity such as this more than Brandon Dubinsky.

No.

Mired in an offensive funk all season long—just 10 goals in 77 games—Brandon Dubinsky vowed at the beginning of the playoffs to wipe the slate clean and start fresh. In Game 1, he was noticeable. In Game 2, he received a game misconduct early in the first period for coming to his teammate's aid after being attacked.

Game 3 sets the stage perfectly for the Anchorage, Alaska native.

With Hagelin out, Dubinsky makes the most sense to move up in the lineup and, assuming he wants to make a statement for just how upset he was about being ejected in Game 2, could create the most damage.

Tortorella could reconfigure the lines by having Dubinsky play with Artem Anisimov and Ryan Callahan. The trio formed the Rangers' most consistent scoring threat last season.

Could their return spark Dubinsky and the New York Rangers?

It's the playoffs—anything is possible.