Stanley Cup Finals 2012: Key Players to Watch During Kings vs. Devils Series

The 2012 Stanley Cup finals between the New Jersey Devils and Los Angeles Kings is set to begin tomorrow. The epic, best-of-seven series is going to showcase a lot of upcoming talent and plenty of established players in the league.

Let’s take a look at the biggest stars that you must keep an eye on when they are on the ice. They are certainly going to play a major role for their respective teams and will be a large reason as to why their team wins—or doesn’t win—the Cup.

Dustin Brown

The Kings captain has been instrumental to their postseason success. He’s racked 16 points, 67 hits and is plus-13 during his time on the ice through 14 games during LA’s run to the Cup finals.

Brown is only 27 years old, but plays with maturity beyond his years. He always seems to come up with a big play, inspiring hit or clutch goal when his team needs it most.

Zach Parise

This is the other man wearing the "C" on his jersey in the series. He came up with some monster performances when the Devils couldn’t afford to have a down night against the New York Rangers and ended up making the difference in the Eastern Conference finals.

Parise becomes a free agent at the end of the season and speculation about his future is certainly going to loom over this series. New Jersey fans are hoping it doesn’t distract the sniper. 

Martin Brodeur

It’s hard to believe that Marty has been in the league since the 1991-92 season and turned 40 years old earlier this month.

When he puts on the pads and starts on Wednesday night, it will be his 200th career playoff game. He has hoisted the Cup with the Devils three other times during his time with the team and is hoping to make it at least a fourth before he retires.

Jonathan Quick

While Brodeur has long been established as a force between the posts, Quick has made a name for himself over the course of the 2012 postseason.

Quick has only allowed 22 goals over the course of the Kings’ first three series and became the best netminder in the sport in that time frame.

If he keeps up the stellar play, it will be tough for the Devils to score any goals or win any games.