Stanley Cup Playoffs 2013: Every 2nd-Round Team's Biggest X-Factor

The second round of the 2013 NHL playoffs got underway on Tuesday, and players such as the New York Rangers' Derick Brassard, the Los Angeles Kings' Slava Voynov and the Boston Bruins' Jaromir Jagr are players who could be huge X-factors for their respective teams.

Each team has its own group of stars, but here are the players who will be the biggest X-factor as the playoffs continue.

Boston Bruins: Jaromir Jagr

Jaromir Jagr is a cagey veteran who will be facing his former team for the first time in playoff history. The future Hall of Famer was the face of the New York Rangers during their rebirth that started in 2005-06.

Jagr didn't have a great series against the Toronto Maple Leafs, but look for him to step up in a huge way against the Rangers as the Bruins' ultimate X-factor.

Chicago Blackhawks: Brandon Saad

Brandon Saad had a quiet series against the Minnesota Wild, but look for him to be an X-factor for the Chicago Blackhawks. Saad played well against the Detroit Red Wings during the regular season, and he posted three points in four games while maintaining a plus-two rating.

Saad is a skilled two-way player getting his first taste of the playoffs, but look for him to be more comfortable in this series.

He has the skills to be a difference-maker. Saad will make an impact on both sides of the puck.

Detroit Red Wings: Daniel Cleary

Daniel Cleary is a gritty forward who could be a difference maker against the Chicago Blackhawks. During the regular season, Cleary only had 15 points as a bottom-six grinder, but he has been one of the Red Wings' best players thus far in the playoffs.

Cleary is a player who will provide energy on every shift, and a player like him could play a role in shutting down some of the Blackhawks' top forwards.

Los Angeles Kings: Slava Voynov

Slava Voynov has become one of the Los Angeles Kings' best defenders this season, and he has come up big already in the postseason. Voynov is a solid defender in his own zone, and he isn't afraid to join the rush to create offense.

A versatile defender like Voynov could play a pivotal role in this series, and he should be the Kings' biggest X-factor against the Sharks.

New York Rangers: Derick Brassard

Derick Brassard is the New York Rangers' top scorer thus far in the playoffs, and he has been and will continue to be an X-factor for the team. Since being acquired in a blockbuster deal from the Columbus Blue Jackets, Brassard has stepped up to be a top-six playmaker for the Rangers.

Brassard is a dynamic passer who has amazing vision, and his confidence with the puck allows him to make plays to set up teammates. With Brassard in the lineup, the Rangers offense has been very dynamic, and he should make a considerable impact against the Boston Bruins.

Ottawa Senators: Mika Zibanejad

Mika Zibanejad is a top-six center for the Ottawa Senators who has played well in the playoffs, and he will be an X-factor against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Zibanejad has played on the second line for the Senators, and he could make some plays against the Penguins' second pairing.

Along with Jakob Silfverberg, Zibanejad was a key secondary scorer against the Montreal Canadiens, and that should continue against the Penguins. Zibanejad's creativity, passing ability and vision on the ice will allow him to play a pivotal role for the Senators in their second round series.

Pittsburgh Penguins: Chris Kunitz

Chris Kunitz was one of the Pittsburgh Penguins top scorers during the regular season, and during the first round, he was a secondary scorer against the New York Islanders.

Kunitz is a talented player who has great chemistry with Sidney Crosby, and he should be able to fly under the radar while Jarome Iginla, Evgeni Malkin and other forwards play against the Ottawa Senators' top defense pairing.

Kunitz' playoff experience in the Penguins' series against the Senators will be key, and that should allow him to be an important X-factor.

San Jose Sharks: Raffi Torres

Raffi Torres is an agitator who loves getting under his opponent's skin, and he has been a perfect linemate for Logan Couture. Torres' physical presence has enabled Couture to play with confidence, because Torres will stick up for him if anyone takes a run at him.

Torres also will contribute some offense every now and then, and that makes him a dangerous player to have on the ice at all times.

Earlier in Couture's career, Ryane Clowe filled a similar role, and Torres will be a huge X-factor against the Kings. When you consider how easy it is for Torres to rattle an opponent with his antics and physicality, he could have a big role in taking some of the Kings' best players off their game.