NHL Predictions: Every Team's Most Vital Player in the Season's 2nd Half

The NHL All Star break has come and gone, and the NHL Playoffs are right around the corner.

Players such as Sidney Crosby, Roberto Luongo, and Alexander Ovechkin will earn their pay checks in the second half of the season.

The Vancouver Canucks and Philadelphia Flyers have positioned themselves for postseason runs, while teams like Carolina and Anaheim are fighting for their playoff lives. Every game is more important than the last for these teams.

So, which players will determine the fate of their teams in the second half of the season?

30. Edmonton Oilers: Taylor Hall, LW

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COLUMBUS, OH - FEBRUARY 05: Taylor Hall #4 of the Edmonton Oilers tries to control the puck in front of Derick Brassard #16 of the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena on February 5, 2011 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

The Edmonton Oilers are clearly out of playoff contention, and are once again in line to have the first overall pick in the NHL Draft. The emphasis is clearly on the future in Edmonton.

The Oilers already know that they have a star in Jordan Eberle. He has proven throughout this season that he is a player that Edmonton can build around.

However, Taylor Hall is still somewhat of an unknown. Hall is extremely talented, and has shown flashes of that this season, but has yet to put it all together. Granted, he is 18 years old, but it would be a huge bonus for Edmonton heading into the offseason if Hall came on strong in the second half.

29. New York Islanders: Mark Streit, D

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PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 08: Mark Streit #2 of the New York Islanders prepares for a face-off against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Mellon Arena on April 8, 2010 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Penguins defeated the Islanders 7-3. (Photo by Justin K. Aller

Mark Streit has missed the entire season with a shoulder injury, but could possibly return at some point in the second half for the Islanders.

New York is already out of the playoff hunt, but getting Streit back and seeing what he an bring to this team could instill some confidence in this young group.

28. Ottawa Senators: Sergei Gonchar, D

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UNIONDALE, NY - FEBRUARY 05: Sergei Gonchar #55 of the Ottawa Senators waits for a faceoff during an NHL hockey game against the New York Islanders at Nassau Coliseum on February 5, 2011 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images)

The Ottawa Senators are going to be seller at the trading deadline. It has been a disastrous season, and they need to retool the entire roster.

However, it would help if Sergei Gonchar could play well in the next few weeks in order to increase his trade value. Gonchar is a guy that should be on his way out of Ottawa, so the Sens would like to get as much as possible in return.

27. New Jersey Devils: Ilya Kovalchuk, RW

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NEWARK, NJ - FEBRUARY 01: Ilya Kovalchuk #17 of the New Jersey Devils waits for a faceoff during an NHL hockey game against the Ottawa Senators at the Prudential Center on February 1, 2011 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images)

The Ilya Kovalchuk signing has not been much help to the New Jersey Devils this season, as they have struggled from day one.

With the money the Devils have tied up in Kovalchuk, they have to be hoping he can string together some points. If he can get things going, New Jersey can construct the team around him in the coming offseason.

26. Toronto Maple Leafs: Luke Schenn

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TORONTO, CAN - FEBRUARY 7: Luke Schenn #2 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates with the puck in a game against the Atlanta Thrashers on February 7, 2011 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Canada. The Leafs defeated the Thrashers 5-4. (Photo by Claus Ander

With the recent trade of Francois Beauchemin to the Anaheim Ducks, the rest of Toronto's defensive core will see an increase in minutes.

Young stud, Luke Schenn, will be leaned on the most. He was solid last season, but has had an up and down 2010-2011 campaign. This is his chance to take hold of some major minutes for the Leafs, and solidify himself as a number one defenseman gong forward.

25. Florida Panthers: Tomas Vokoun, G

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MONTREAL, CANADA - FEBRUARY 2: Tomas Vokoun #29 of the Florida Panthers stops the puck on a shot by Yannick Weber #68 of the Montreal Canadiens during the NHL game at the Bell Centre on February 2, 2011 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Richard Wol

The Florida Panthers are six points out of a playoff spot, but if they think their roster is far from ready for a postseason run.

Tomas Vokoun needs to continue to play well to demand a hefty price in a trade. Florida still has a lot of rebuilding to do, and it does not appear Vokoun will be a part of that project.

24. Buffalo Sabres: Tim Connolly, C

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PITTSBURGH, PA - FEBRUARY 04: Marc-Andre Fleury #29 of the Pittsburgh Penguins makes a save against Tim Connolly #19 of the Buffalo Sabres at Consol Energy Center on February 4, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

With Derek Roy out for the season, Tim Connolly had a chance to step into a major roll. Instead, he was largely ineffective before going down with injury.

How Connolly returns from that injury is huge for the Sabres. They not only need to know what they have in the center, but they also could be able to trade him if he drives up his value at all.

23. Colorado Avalanche: Chris Stewart, RW

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DENVER, CO - JANUARY 18: Chris Stewart #25 of the Colorado Avalanche skates against the Vancouver Canucks at the Pepsi Center on January 18, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Avalanche defeated the Canucks 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Ima

Chris Stewart has been banged up this season, but he should be back in the lineup just in time for the Avs to make one final push for the postseason.

Stewart is arguably Colorado's most valuable player, and they need him to play that way in the second half of the season.

22. St. Louis Blues: Jaroslav Halak, G

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SUNRISE, FL - FEBRUARY 8: Goaltender Jaroslav Halak #41 of the St. Louis Blues stretches prior to the NHL game against of the Florida Panthers on February 8, 2011 at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida. The Blues defeated the Panthers 2-1. (Photo

The St. Louis Blues have been inconsistent all season long, but still find themselves within striking distance of the postseason.

If the Blues want to have a realistic shot at the playoffs, they need some stability. Jaroslav Halak has been up and down this season, and really needs to come on strong in the second half.

The hockey world saw what Halak could do last year, when he carried the Candiens to the Eastern Conference Finals. He may need to pull out something similar in order for the Blues to have success the rest of the way.

21. Columbus Blue Jackets: Steve Mason/Mathieu Garon, G

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COLUMBUS, OH - JANUARY 11: Goalie Mathieu Garon #32 of the Columbus Blue Jackets skates against the Phoenix Coyotes during a game on January 11, 2011 at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

The Columbus Blue Jackets are another team that has been inconsistent this season, but still has a shot at the playoffs.

Either Mathieu Garon or Steve Mason will have to get hot and backstop this team to the postseason, because they are not talented enough otherwise.

20. Atlanta Thrasher: Dustin Byfuglien, D

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TORONTO, CAN - FEBRUARY 7: Dustin Byfuglien #33 of the Atlanta Thrashers skates in a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on February 7, 2011 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Canada. The Leafs defeated the Thrashers 5-4. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Gett

The Atlanta Thrashers have gotten where they are due to tremendous goaltending by Ondrej Pavelec. However, Pavelec cannot do it all on his own.

Dustin Byfuglien is going to need to step it up in the defensive portion of his game to ensure that Pavelec does not get worn down.

It appears Atlanta is a year or two away from a deep postseason run.

19. Chicago Blackhawks: Marty Turco, G

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VANCOUVER, CANADA - FEBRUARY 4: Goalie Marty Turco #30 of the Chicago Blackhawks makes a pad save against the Vancouver Canucks during the second period in NHL action on February 04, 2011 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by R

The reigning Stanley Cup Champions are clearly a step behind the team they had a season ago. That being said, the Blackhawks still have a lot of veteran pieces in place and could definitely make a deep run in the postseason.

One key component of this team the rest of the season will be Marty Turco. Turco is a veteran presence between the pipes, and he has been there and done that in the playoffs.

18. Carolina Hurricanes: Eric Staal, C

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NEWARK, NJ - FEBRUARY 08: Eric Staal #12 of the Carolina Hurricanes is checked Anton Volchenkov #28 of the New Jersey Devils during the first period of an NHL hockey game at the Prudential Center on February 8, 2011 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Paul

It seems obvious to say, but Carolina's most important player in the second half of the season has got to be Eric Staal.

He is the leader and the go-to-guy offensively for Carolina. The Hurricanes are a young team, which makes leadership at this point in the season even more important.

17. Los Angeles Kings: Dustin Brown/ Justin Williams, Winger

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LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 26: Dustin Brown #23 of the Los Angeles Kings skates against the San Jose Sharks during their NHL game at Staples Center on January 26, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. The Kings defeated the Sharks 3-2 in shootout overtime. (P

Anze Kopitar has been carrying the load for the Kings, but needs some help on the wing.

If the Kings cannot acquire a line mate for Kopitar, someone from within the organization will have to step up.

16. Calgary Flames: Miikka Kiprusoff, G

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CALGARY, CANADA - FEBRUARY 9: Miikka Kiprusoff #34 of the Calgary Flames makes a save on Zack Smith #15 of the Ottawa Senators in first period action at Scotiabank Saddledome February 9, 2011 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Dale MacMillan/Getty Ima

The Calgary Flames have been white hot these past couple of weeks, and have played their way into contention for the postseason.

One has to expect that the Flames will cool down eventually, and when they do Miikka Kiprusoff needs to keep Calgary's head above water.

This team has a great chance of making some noise in the second half of the season.

15. Minnesota Wild: Niklas Backstrom, G

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 25: Niklas Backstrom #32 of the Minnesota Wild sets to protect the goal against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on January 25, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Wild defeated the Blackhawks 4-2. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Get

The Minnesota Wild have played some solid hockey throughout this season. One issue they have had iss between the pipes.

Niklas Backstrom was once thought of as one of the best goaltenders in the NHL, but has not played nearly at that level this season.

The Wild have a chance at the playoffs, but only if their star goaltender can turn his game around.

14. New York Rangers: Marion Gaborik, RW

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NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 19: Marian Gaborik #10 of the New York Rangers celebrates his hattrick goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Madison Square Garden on January 19, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The New York Rangers are once again on the fence of the postseason coming down the home stretch. They have a lot of talent on their roster, but never seem to be able to put it all together.

One player in particular who struggles with consistency is Marion Gaborik. If he can play to the level he is capable of, the Rangers could be a nightmare to play down the stretch.

13. Anaheim Ducks: Francois Beauchemin, D

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TORONTO, CAN - FEBRUARY 7: Francois Beauchemin #22 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates in a game against the Atlanta Thrashers on February 7, 2011 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Canada. The Leafs defeated the Thrashers 5-4. (Photo by Claus Andersen/G

The Anaheim Ducks recently acquired defenseman Francois Beauchemin from the Toronto Maple Leafs, filling a void on defense that the Ducks have had all season long.

It remains to be seen whether or not Beauchemin is the answer for the Ducks, but if he can provide a spark on the blue line, Anaheim will be a dangerous team.

12. Phoenix Coyotes: Lee Stempniak, RW

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 25: (L-R) Scottie Upshall #8, Lee Stempniak #22 and Kyle Turris #91 of the Phoenix Coyotes celebrate after Upshall scored a first period power play goal against the Edmonton Oilers during the NHL game at Jobing.com Arena on January

Acquired by the Coyotes at the trading deadline last season, Lee Stempniak could be the most crucial player for Phoenix down the stretch in 2011.

The Coyotes have been rock solid on the back end, both on the blue line and in net, but have lacked scoring. Stempniak has just 30 points, and could provide a huge boost to this team by picking up his game.

11. Nashville Predators: Pekka Rinne, G

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VANCOUVER, CANADA - JANUARY 26: Goalie Pekka Rinne #35 of the Nashville Predators hangs onto the puck after making a blocker save against the Vancouver Canucks during the second period in NHL action on January 26, 2011 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, Britis

The Predators are a dark horse candidate for the Stanley Cup. They play the most disciplined defensive system in hockey, and have one of the ten best goaltenders in Pekka Rinne.

Pekka Rinne needs to prove that he can get it done during crunch time. The playoffs are a different animal and will show what Rinne is made of.

10. Montreal Canadiens: Carey Price, G

Carey Price has had a resurgent season after being replaced during 2010 by Jaroslav Halak. 

The biggest blemish on Carey Price's career is his disappointing postseason performance. If Montreal is ever going to be a serious contender, Price needs to bring his "A" game during the NHL's second season.

9. San Jose Sharks: Antii Niemi, G

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LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 26: Dan Boyle #22 of the San Jose Sharks defends Dustin Brown #23 of the Los Angeles Kings in the Sharks crease area in front of goaltender Antti Niemi #31 of the San Jose Sharks during their NHL game at Staples Center on Januar

Many say Antii Niemi was just along for the ride with the Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks last season, but Niemi has a chance to silence his critics in 2011.

The San Jose Sharks have always been a goaltender away from a deep postseason run. Is Antii Niemi the answer? The second half of the season will go a long way towards determining that.

8. Dallas Stars: Kari Lehtonen, G

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DALLAS, TX - FEBRUARY 09: Goaltender Kari Lehtonen #32 of the Dallas Stars during play against the Phoenix Coyotes at American Airlines Center on February 9, 2011 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

The Dallas Stars live and die by Kari Lehtonen. The Stars worked him into the ground during the first half of the season, and headed into the break in third place in the West.

In order for Dallas to enjoy continued success, Lehtonen is going to have to continue his stellar play throughout the rest of the year.

7. Washington Capitals: Alexander Ovechkin, LW

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WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 06: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals warms up before the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Verizon Center on February 6, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

Who else is more vital to his team's success than Alexander Ovechkin is to the Washington Capitals?

All season long, Ovechkin has driven this Washington team and he will have to continue to do so during the second half if they are going to surpass the Lightning for the Southeast Division crown.

Ovechkin has always failed to rise to the occasion during big games. This is his chance to rise to the occasion once and for al.

6. Boston Bruins: David Krejci, C

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LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 24: David Krejci #46 of the Boston Bruins looks on against the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center on January 24, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

With Marc Savard once again on the shelf, the Bruins' top center, David Krejci, gets a chance to take on an even bigger role.

Savard was not incredibly effective while healthy this season, but he still leaves a void that needs to be filled.

Boston looked to be on their way to winning the Eastern Conference last season until Krejci went down. He could be the catalyst of another deep run for Bean Town's finest. 

5. Detroit Red Wings: Pavel Datsyuk, C

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DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 22: Henrik Sedin #33 of the Vancouver Canucks skates against Pavel Datsyuk #13 of the Detroit Red Wings in a game on December 22, 2010 at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)

Pavel Datsyuk returns from injury and not a day too soon for the Detroit Red Wings.

Detroit's offense runs through Datsyuk's remarkable playmaking skills. He is the best forward on the roster and they will lean on him for the rest of the season.

4. Tampa Bay Lightning: Dwayne Roloson, G

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TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 25: Dwayne Roloson #35 of the Tampa Bay Lightning makes a save against the Toronto Maple Leafs at St. Pete Times Forum on January 25, 2011 in Tampa, Florida. The Lightning defeated the Leafs 2-0. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Dwayne Roloson is the most valuable piece to the Tampa Bay Lightning's playoff puzzle.

Stamkos and St. Louis will continue to produce offense for Tampa Bay, but offense alone will not win a championship. 

Dwayne Roloson's continued solid play between the pipes could be the x-factor in the Eastern Conference Playoffs.

3. Pittsburgh Penguins: Jordan Staal, C

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WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 06: Jordan Staal #11 of the Pittsburgh Penguins brings the puck down the ice against the Washington Capitals at the Verizon Center on February 6, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin are both out of the lineup, leaving youngster Jordan Staal to shoulder the load for the Penguins.

Staal is not accustomed to this type of pressure, and how he responds will be pivotal to the end of Pittsburgh's season.

2. Philadelphia Flyers: Sergei Bobrovsky/Brian Boucher, G

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 03: Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky #35 of the Philadelphia Flyers follows the puck during an NHL hockey game against the Nashville Predators at the Wells Fargo Center on February 3, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Pau

The Philadelphia Flyers are as deep up front and on the blue line as any team in the NHL. However, goaltender is a huge question mark for Philly.

Will the combination of Segei Bobrovsky and Brian Boucher be enough to get this team to the Stanley Cup, or will they have to acquire a goaltender via trade such as Tomas Vokoun?

The Flyers have been looking for a goalie for quite a while now, and the Cup will not return to the city of brotherly love until that search is over.

1. Vancouver Canucks: Roberto Luongo, G

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VANCOUVER, CANADA - FEBRUARY 4: Goalie Roberto Luongo #1 of the Vancouver Canucks celebrates with teammate Christian Ehrhoff #5 after defeating the Chicago Blackhawks in NHL action on February 04, 2011 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canad

The Vancouver Canucks are the favorite to win the Stanley Cup at this point in the season.

They have dominated all season long, and they have very few holes on their roster.

The concern with the Canucks is the playoff performance of Roberto Luongo. This could be the season he breaks through and carries his outstanding regular season play into the postseason to bring the Stanley Cup back to Canada.

The fate of the Vancouver Canucks is in Luongo's hands.