2011 NHL Playoffs: Who WIll Be the Eastern Conference Game 7 Hero?

In the first round, we had a round full of overtime hockey, long series' and exciting play. In the second round, winners emerged quicker than you could say hat-trick. The Eastern Conference finals will conclude tomorrow night and a Prince of Wales champion will be crowned.

The heavily favored Boston Bruins have been challenged thus far by the upstart Tampa Bay Lightning.

So far in this series, we have seen Jekyll and Hyde goaltending. We have seen Tim Thomas at his best and at his worst. The same can be said about Dwayne Roloson. It even got to the point where Guy Boucher had to summon backup goalie Mike Smith of the bench.

What was thought to be a one-sided series has evolved into a drama-filled series of highs, lows and third-period heroics.

The biggest question remaining in this series is the following: Who is going to be the alpha male and step up and take Game 7 by the horns? Who will put the team on their back and skate them to Vancouver for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals?

Martin St. Louis

Martin St. Louis has been a deadly scorer thus far in the playoffs.

He has a total of 20 points with 10 goals and 10 assists. He has so many different facets to his game. He has the dual threat of being able to score with a well-placed wrister or dish the puck to fellow teammates like Steven Stamkos or Vinny Lecavalier en route to a goal.

What is especially remarkable about St. Louis is his size. You may snicker because St. Louis stands at a mere 5'8" but he has the ability to play bigger than he is. He has been one of the most influential and biggest players for the Lightning this season.

Before yesterday's do-or-die game, St. Louis addressed the team like he usually does. The meek forward went on to score two of the biggest goals in his career and by the look on his face, you would think he was 10-feet tall with his head protruding into cloud nine.

Martin St. Louis has had his best season in the NHL this year. He had 99 points and was nominated for the Hart Trophy. However, he wasn't overtly concerned about winning the Art Ross or the Hart Trophy. St. Louis and the rest of the Lightning squad yearn to drink the elixir of eternal glory from Lord Stanley's Cup.

St. Louis appears to be playing on a complete different level than usual. His on-ice vision has dramatically improved. Having watched St. Louis throughout his career, he has shown a lot of patience during these playoffs.

Years ago, there were many situations where St. Louis would preemptively pull the trigger on a shot. However, during these playoffs he has shown restraint, poise and waited for an open man to assist on the way to a goal.

Many people also tend to forget that St. Louis was undrafted and unwanted by teams early in his career. Through this, he has persevered and channeled his frustration into a successful and potential Hall of Fame career.

The 2011 Tampa Bay Lightning look as impressive as—if not more impressive than—their Stanley Cup-winning 2003-04 counterparts. Guy Boucher has shown wisdom beyond his years as a rookie coach. His degree in sports psychology may contribute to how he relates so well with his players.

A part of this success can be attributed to the leadership of Martin St. Louis.

With that said, tomorrow's game is going to come down to goaltending regardless. Tim Thomas is going to have to play like the Vezina Trophy-winner his is. He has the potential and ability to carry the Bruins past the Vancouver Canucks in the Stanley Cup Finals.

In the same way, Dwayne Roloson is going to have to bring his "A" game. He has to show why he was able to bring the Edmonton Oilers to the Stanley Cup back in 2006.

Will Martin St. Louis lead the Tampa Bay Lightning back to the Stanley Cup or will Tim Thomas shut the door and propel the Bruins to the Finals?

Comments, questions, concerns?

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