Stanley Cup Predictions 2012: Jonathan Quick and More Stars Who Will Dominate

Los Angeles Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick is one player who is ready to shine bright in the 2012 Stanley Cup Finals.

Quick's fabulous play during the playoffs has made him the favorite for the Conn Smythe Trophy among most journalists and fans alike. 

He won't be the only player to make a strong case for playoff MVP, however. Let's take a look at three players who are sure to dominate in the Stanley Cup Finals.

Ilya Kovalchuk, New Jersey Devils

Ilya Kovalchuk is making the most out of the Devils' deep playoff run, and is leading everyone in the playoffs with 18 total points.

The excitement you see from the Russian winger is a result of him playing past the first round of the postseason for the first time in his career.

With each round the Devils have advanced, the expectations of Kovalchuk have increased. But thus far, he's met those expectations and is playing like a star worthy of the $100 million contract he signed in 2010.

Expect Kovalchuk to continue his strong play in the Stanley Cup Finals. He scored six points against the talented defensive corps of the New York Rangers in the Eastern Conference Finals and will have similar success against the Kings defensemen. 

Dustin Penner, Los Angeles Kings

Dustin Penner had just 17 points in 65 games for the Kings during the regular season but already has 10 points in 14 playoff games.

His level of play has risen dramatically during the postseason, and his increasing confidence is a big reason why.

Penner's improvements were evident in the Kings' Game 5 victory over the Phoenix Coyotes in the Western Conference Finals. In that contest, Penner was very aggressive at both ends of the ice and had his hard work rewarded with a series-clinching goal in overtime.

Penner is playing for a Stanley Cup against the Devils but also a new contract since he will be an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He has all the motivation he could possibly need to dominate in this series.

Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles

The former UMass star is in the middle of a historic playoff run for the Kings, which includes an incredible 8-0 record on the road.

With a 12-2 record and an unreal .945 save percentage, no one has been on Quick's level during the postseason.

He defines the term "most valuable" to the Kings in every way. When he plays well, it seems as if Los Angeles cannot be beaten.

It would be foolish to think Quick won't continue his strong play between the pipes for the Kings in the Stanley Cup Finals.

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