{coyotes} Top 8 Western Conference playoff sleepers

Monday, 9 April 2012

{coyotes} Top 8 Western Conference playoff sleepers

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Heading into the 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs, eyes will be fixed upon the National Hockey League's top stars in their quests to lead their teams to championship glory.

However, franchise players and superstars can't win a Cup by themselves. Often it's the players who fly under the radar that make the biggest difference during a long playoff run.

Here's a look at some players from each of the eight Western Conference playoff teams who will be difference-makers. They aren't superstars, they didn't lead their team in scoring, and casual fans may not be too familiar with how they fit into their respective lineups, but come the first round they will be integral parts of their teams' success.

Jannik Hansen

Jannik Hansen had a career year, and his speed is ideal for high-tempo playoff games. He is playing on a line with Chris Higgins and Samuel Pahlsson -- a defensively responsible, good skating trio built for a long playoff run.

Honourable mention: If rookie Zack Kassian makes it into the lineup, look for him to be a valuable physical presence and stand up to anyone who gives the Sedins a hard time.

Andy McDonald

Since coming back from a concussion that kept him out of action for over a year, Andy McDonald has been on fire. On a St. Louis team that doesn't need to score many goals in order to win, McDonald had 22 points in 25 games. He won a Stanley Cup with the Anaheim Ducks in 2007.

Honourable mention: Alex Steen is on a line with McDonald and was a plus-24 in just 43 games this season.

Raffi Torres

Raffi Torres is a thorn in the saddle of any team he plays. He was an integral part of Vancouver's playoff run last year and isn't afraid to throw his body around. He has been to the Stanley Cup finals twice, and that experience is important in the dressing room.

Honourable mention: Radim Vrbata was overlooked all season as he quietly racked up 35 goals. Also, look for Paul Bissonnette to be a force on Twitter.

Sergei Kostitsyn

Sergei Kostitsyn's older brother Andrei gets more press, but Sergei put up better numbers this season (17 goals and 43 points) and has an offensive flare that fans will take note of. Nashville is a team filled with difference-makers who fly under the radar.

Honourable mention: Paul Gaustad was picked up at the NHL trade deadline from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for a first-round pick for the purpose of a long playoff run.

Darren Helm

Darren Helm always raises his level of play in the postseason. He doesn't put up big numbers but is a killer on the forecheck and has tremendous speed. His pressure can wear down the opposition's defencemen, which will make things easier for Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg and Johan Franzen late in games.

Honourable mention: Danny Cleary is the type of depth player who has made Detroit the most consistent organization in the NHL.

Viktor Stalberg

Viktor Stalberg was one of five Chicago Blackhawks to score more than 20 goals this season. He has been getting good ice time of late and often plays with Patrick Kane. He's one of the fastest players in the NHL and will need to burry a couple past Mike Smith in order for the Hawks to get out of the first round.

Honourable mention: Andrew Shaw, one of the most productive rookies in 2011-12, plays with energy and aggressiveness.

Martin Havlat

Logan Couture had a breakout stretch of games in the San Jose Sharks' playoff run last season, so he won't fly under the radar again. But a player like Martin Havlat could because all the pressure is on Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau to lead the Sharks. Havlat puts up solid playoff numbers, and he'll need to again if San Jose plans to make any noise.

Honourable mention: Since being acquired from the Colorado Avalanche at the NHL trade deadline, Daniel Winnik has been a reliable shutdown forward.

Brad Richardson

Brad Richardson doesn't put up big numbers, but he is one heck of a hockey player. He was arguably the best player on the Kings in last year's playoffs and will likely get plenty of ice time against the Canucks' top two lines.

Honourable mention: Like Richardson, Kyle Clifford was a beast in the Kings' brief playoff run last year. He hits, he fights, and he raises his level of play when it counts.

Here are a few defenceman to keep an eye on as well: The Coyotes' Oliver Ekman-Larsson, the Blues' Kevin Shattenkirk, the Red Wings' Ian White and Kyle Quincey, plus San Jose's Brent Burns returns to the playoffs for the first time since 2008.