NHL Playoffs 2013: Players Who Will Make or Break Each Series

As the conference semifinals of the NHL playoffs are in full swing, there are players in each series that can define its outcome. 

Whether its quality puck distribution, timely scoring or clutch goalkeeping, each series has a player that possesses one of those attributes, which can set the tone for the series. 

Here's a look at some of those players: 

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Ottawa Senators: Pittsburgh G Tomas Vokoun

The Penguins currently lead this series 1-0. And while Chris Kunitz and Evgeni Malkin each had two points in the first game, it was Tomas Vokoun's goalkeeping that propelled the Penguins to the win. 

Vokoun saved 35 shots in Game 1, while allowing just one goal in a 4-1 win for the Penguins. His goalkeeping will be crucial for the Penguins, as the Senators are notorious for squashing opportunities for their opponents. 

The Senators are second in the league in goals against (2.1) and first in the NHL in penalty kill percentage (88.0). That means Vokoun will need to keep the pipes locked down to give the Penguins all the chances they can get on offense. 

Vokoun is still vying for playing time in goal against his counterpart Marc-André Fleury, who was yanked in the first round. If the 36-year old Vokoun can come up big in the playoffs, it may propel the Penguins to within one round of the Stanley Cup finals. 

Boston Bruins vs. New York Rangers: Boston LW Brad Marchand

Marchand scored the game-winner in overtime of Game 1 to give a 1-0 series lead over the Rangers

The left winger led the Bruins in goals in the regular season with 18, but he was on a 10-game goal drought before Game 1. 

His absence from the box scores took its toll in the Bruins' first series against Toronto. Against the Maple Leafs, the Bruins suffered two of their three losses in games where Marchand didn't record a point. 

As the conference semifinals continue, Marchand's play can either give the Bruins a huge boost or drag them down. 

Los Angeles Kings vs. San Jose Sharks: San Jose C Logan Couture

Couture currently leads the Sharks in goals with 21 on the season. But he's been held scoreless and limited to just one assist in the series against the Kings, which the Sharks trail 2-0. 

If the Sharks want to comeback in the conference semifinals and beat the defending Stanley Cup champions, Couture will have to find his stride again. 

Against Vancouver, Couture was more consistent. He recorded points in three of the four games against the Canucks and scored a goal in two of them, as the Sharks swept the series. 

The Sharks have been successful this year primarily because of Couture and Joe Thornton, who are an excellent one-two punch. If Couture's production continues to be limited against the Kings, the Sharks will be forced to make up the difference. 

Chicago Blackhawks vs. Detroit Red Wings: Chicago C Patrick Sharp

Sharp has been excellent throughout the playoffs, and he could very well propel the Blackhawks over the Red Wings to the conference finals. 

In Game 1 against Detroit, which Chicago won 4-1, Sharp had three points off a goal and two assists. 

In the Blackhawks' first series against the Minnesota Wild, Sharp had at least one point in four of the five games and scored twice in two separate games. The Blackhawks won that series 4-1. 

The only two games that Chicago struggled in during that first series was Game 1 and Game 3. In Game 1, while the Blackhawks won in overtime, it was the only game Sharp didn't record a point. Then in Game 3, Chicago lost in overtime and Sharp was held to just one assist. 

Sharp is clearly a difference maker in the Windy City. If he plays well, the team seems to follow suit. If he struggles though, it likely spells a long night for the Blackhawks.