Here are the top nine players per team, per series with a full statistical complement that includes: career playoff stats, '08-9 point totals, points since March 1st and points since the All-Star break.
It's all designed to help you dominate the competition in your playoff pool... or at least not get beaten by that person in human resources that doesn't even follow hockey.
The tried and true winning strategy when you make your picks is extremely simple, in that you want to centre your selections around which four teams you think will advance to the Conference Finals.
Actually choosing those four teams correctly may be extremely difficult, but if you can do that you've got a great shot at winning your pool. The deeper it is too, the more "longshot" picks you can incorporate into your line of attack.
I'll have my series breakdowns tomorrow in a new blog.
Also, send in your submission for the Share Your Fantasy blogs! Recap how your fantasy season ended up, win or lose. What did you learn? Make any sweet trades that tipped things in your favour or did you get burned on one? chris.nichols@sportsnet.rogers.com
WESTERN CONFERENCE
San Jose Sharks (1) vs. Anaheim Ducks (8)
Joe Thornton: career playoffs (70GP: 11G, 37A, 48pts); '08-9 (82GP: 25G, 61A, 86pts); since March 1st (21GP: 9G, 7A, 16pts); since All-Star break (37GP: 13G, 18A, 31pts) Patrick Marleau: career playoffs (86GP: 35G, 24A, 59pts); '08-9 (76GP: 38G, 33A, 71pts); since March 1st (15GP: 4G, 2A, 6 pts); since All-Star break (31GP: 13G, 7A, 20pts) Devin Setoguchi: career playoffs (9GP: 1G, 1A, 2pts); '08-9 (81GP: 31G, 34A, 65pts); since March 1st (21GP: 6G, 7A, 13pts); since All-Star break (37GP: 10G, 11A, 21pts) Joe Pavelski: career playoffs (19GP: 6G, 4A, 10pts); '08-9 (50GP: 25G, 34A, 59pts); since March 1st (21GP: 7G, 7A, 14pts); since All-Star break (37GP: 12G, 15A, 27pts) Dan Boyle: career playoffs (45GP: 3G, 19A, 22pts); '08-9 (77GP: 16G, 41A, 57pts); since March 1st (21GP: 2G, 10A, 12pts); since All-Star break (33GP: 3G, 16A, 19pts) Milan Michalek: career playoffs (33GP: 9G, 6A, 15pts); '08-9 (77GP: 23G, 34A, 57pts); since March 1st (21GP: 6G, 8A, 14pts); since All-Star break (37GP: 12G, 16A, 28pts) Rob Blake: career playoffs (125GP: 24G, 43A, 67pts); '08-9 (73GP: 10G, 35A, 45pts); since March 1st (14GP: 1G, 7A, 8 pts); since All-Star break ( ) Christian Ehrhoff: career playoffs (32GP: 2G, 13A, 15pts); '08-9 (77GP: 8G, 34A, 42pts); since March 1st (17GP: 1G, 11A, 12pts); since All-Star break (33GP: 5G, 18A, 23pts) Jonathan Cheechoo: career playoffs (52GP: 15G, 18A, 33pts); '08-9 (66GP: 12G, 17A, 29pts); since March 1st (17GP: 3G, 5A, 8 pts); since All-Star break (33GP: 5G, 6A, 11pts)
Starting goalie: Evgeni Nabokov. Career playoffs (59GP: 30-27, 2.17GAA, .917SV%, 6SO); '08-9 (62GP: 41-12-8, 2.44GAA, .910SV%, 7SO); since All-Star break (28GP: 16-7-4, 2.38GAA, .913SV%, 5SO)
Quick notes: Cheechoo is a potential wildcard if the Sharks make a deep run because he's the most likely to get a promotion to the first line alongside Thornton if Todd McLellan needs to mix things up.
Ryan Getzlaf: career playoffs (43GP: 12G, 17A, 29pts); '08-9 (81GP: 21G, 66A, 91pts); since March 1st (18GP: 5G, 16A, 21pts); since All-Star break (33GP: 8G, 27A, 35pts) Corey Perry: career playoffs (35GP: 8G, 13A, 21pts); '08-9 (78GP: 32G, 40A, 72pts); since March 1st (18GP: 10G, 8A, 18pts); since All-Star break (33GP: 18G, 12A, 30pts) Teemu Selanne: career playoffs (92GP: 31G, 35A, 66pts ); '08-9 (65GP: 27G, 27A, 54pts); since March 1st (18GP: 7G, 8A, 15pts); since All-Star break (32GP: 13G, 14A, 27pts) Scott Niedermayer: career playoffs (189GP: 22G, 66A, 88pts); '08-9 (82GP: 14G, 45A, 59pts); since March 1st (18GP: 5G, 11A, 16pts); since All-Star break (33GP: 9G, 21A, 30pts) Chris Pronger: career playoffs (134GP: 20G, 72A, 92 pts); '08-9 (82GP: 11G, 37A, 48pts); since March 1st (18GP: 1G, 10A, 11pts); since All-Star break (33GP: 3G, 16A, 19pts) Bobby Ryan: career playoffs (2GP, 0G, 0A, 0pts); '08-9 (64GP: 31G, 26A, 57pts); since March 1st (18GP: 10G, 6A, 16pts); since All-Star break (33GP: 16G, 11A, 27pts) Andrew Ebbett: career playoffs (0GP: 0G, 0A, 0pts); '08-9 (48GP: 8G, 24A, 32pts); since March 1st (18GP: 4G, 7A, 11pts); since All-Star break (32GP: 6G, 17A, 23pts) Ryan Whitney: career playoffs (25GP: 2G, 6A, 8pts); '08-9 (48GP: 2G, 21A, 23pts); since March 1st (18GP: 0G, 10A, 10pts); since All-Star break (33GP: 1G, 16A, 17pts) James Wisniewski: career playoffs (0GP: 0G, 0A, 0pts); '08-9 (48GP: 3G, 21A, 24pts); since March 1st (19GP: 1G, 10A, 11pts); since All-Star break (32GP: 2G, 15A, 17pts)
Starting goalie: TBA. Jean-Sebastien Giguere has the experience and Jonas Hiller has been, by and large, better this season. The starter hasn't been named as of this writing.
Quick notes: The Ducks may fall behind other teams in firepower past the top scorers, but they have a plethora of defencemen that know what to do with the puck thanks to the acquisitions of Whitney, Wisniewski and the recent return of Francois Beauchemin.
Detroit Red Wings (2) vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (7)
Pavel Datsyuk: career playoffs (82GP: 21G, 31A, 54pts); '08-9 (81GP: 32G, 65A, 97pts); since March 1st (19GP: 7G, 15A, 22pts ); since All-Star break (35GP: 13G, 28A, 41pts ) Marian Hossa: career playoffs (75GP: 25G, 36A, 61pts); '08-9 (74GP: 40G, 31A, 71pts); since March 1st (13GP: 6G, 4A, 10pts); since All-Star break (28GP: 18G, 7A, 25pts) Henrik Zetterberg: career playoffs (62GP: 28G, 24A, 52pts); '08-9 (77GP: 31G, 42A, 73pts ); since March 1st (19GP: 7G, 10A, 17pts); since All-Star break (33GP: 14G, 17A, 31pts) Johan Franzen: career playoffs (40GP: 17G, 11A, 28pts); '08-9 (71GP: 34G, 25A, 59pts); since March 1st (19GP: 9G, 11A, 20pts); since All-Star break (31GP: 13G, 14A, 27pts) Nicklas Lidstrom: career playoffs (214GP: 42G, 107A, 149A); '08-9 (78GP: 16G, 43A, 59pts); since March 1st (18GP: 4G, 11A, 15pts); since All-Star break ( ) Brian Rafalski: career playoffs (124GP: 21G, 53A, 74pts); '08-9 (78GP: 10G, 49A, 59pts); since March 1st (15GP: 2G, 6A, 8pts); since All-Star break (32GP: 3G, 21A, 24pts) Niklas Kronwall: career playoffs (28GP: 0G, 18A, 18pts); '08-9 (80GP: 6G, 45A, 51pts); since March 1st (19GP: 4G, 9A, 13pts); since All-Star break (36GP: 4G, 23A, 27pts) Tomas Holmstrom: career playoffs (129GP: 36G, 38A, 74pts); '08-9 (53GP: 14G, 23A, 37pts); since March 1st (13GP: 0G, 7A, 7pts); since All-Star break (15GP: 0G, 7A, 7pts) Jiri Hudler: career playoffs (28GP: 5G, 11A, 16pts); '08-9 (82GP: 23G, 34A, 57pts); since March 1st (19GP: 3G, 5A, 8pts); since All-Star break (36GP: 6G, 12A, 18pts)
Starting goalie: Chris Osgood. Career playoffs (106GP: 59-41, 2.11 GAA, .917 SV%, 13SO); '08-9 (46GP: 26-9-8, 3.09GAA, .887SV%, 2SO); since All-Star break (22GP: 11-6-3, 2.93GAA, .891SV%, 2SO)
Quick notes: Hossa is nursing a groin injury, but should be fine to start the playoffs.
Rick Nash: career playoffs (0GP: 0G, 0A, 0pts); '08-9 (78GP: 40G, 39A, 79pts); since March 1st (20GP: 14G, 8A, 22pts); since All-Star break ( ) R.J. Umberger: career playoffs (22GP: 11G, 5A, 16pts); '08-9 (82GP: 26G, 20A, 46pts); since March 1st (20GP: 5G, 7A, 12pts); since All-Star break (35GP: 11G, 9A, 20pts) Kristian Huselius: career playoffs (20GP: 2A, 10A, 12pts); '08-9 (74GP: 21G, 35A, 56pts); since March 1st (16GP: 3G, 10A, 13pts); since All-Star break (31GP: 8G, 16A, 24pts) Jason Williams: career playoffs (20GP:, 1G, 1A, 2pts); '08-9 (80GP: 19G, 28A, 47pts); since March 1st (20GP: 7G, 10A, 17pts); since All-Star break (35GP: 10G, 15A, 25pts) Antoine Vermette: career playoffs (38GP: 4G, 4A, 8pts); '08-9 (79GP: 16G, 25A, 41pts); since March 1st (18GP: 7G, 6A, 13pts); since All-Star break (35GP: 11G, 13A, 24pts) Manny Malhotra: career playoffs (5G, 1G, 0A, 1pts); '08-9 (77GP: 11G, 24A, 35pts); since March 1st (20GP: 3G, 6A, 9pts); since All-Star break (35GP: 5G, 12A, 17pts) Raffi Torres: career playoffs (22GP: 4G, 7A, 11pts); '08-9 (51GP: 12G, 8A, 20pts); since March 1st (20GP: 8G, 3A, 11pts); since All-Star break (33GP: 10G, 5A, 15pts) Jakub Voracek: career playoffs (0GP: 0G, 0A, 0pts); '08-9 (80GP: 9G, 29A, 38pts); since March 1st (20GP: 1G, 7A, 8pts); since All-Star break (34GP: 2G, 13A, 15pts ) Fedor Tyutin: career playoffs (24GP: 0G, 9A, 9pts); '08-9 (82GP: 9G, 25A, 34pts); since March 1st (20GP: 1G, 4A, 5pts); since All-Star break (35GP: 5G, 10A, 15pts)
Starting goalie: Steve Mason. Career playoffs (0GP); '08-9 (61GP: 33-20-7, 2.29GAA, .916SV%, 10SO); since All-Star break (31GP: 16-9-5, 2.53GAA, .904SV%, 4 SO)
Quick notes: Huselius (concussion symptoms) is expected to go for the first game. Fredrik Modin has no timetable for his return, although he is skating. Derick Brassard is close to getting an ok to play, but would apparently still be several weeks away from game action.
Vancouver Canucks (3) vs. St. Louis Blues (6)
Mats Sundin: career playoffs (83GP: 35G, 39A, 74pts); '08-9 (41GP: 9G, 19A, 28pts); since March 1st (21GP: 3G, 13A, 16pts); since All-Star break (34GP: 7G, 18A, 25pts) Ryan Kesler: career playoffs (1GP: 0G, 0A, 0pts); '08-9 (82GP: 26G, 33A, 59pts); since March 1st (21GP: 8G, 12A, 20pts); since All-Star break (34GP: 17G, 17A, 34pts) Daniel Sedin: career playoffs (43GP: 5G, 13A, 18pts); '08-9 (82GP: 31G, 51A, 82pts); since March 1st (21GP: 6G, 17A, 23pts); since All-Star break (34GP: 9G, 25A, 34pts) Henrik Sedin: career playoffs (43GP: 10G, 10A, 20pts); '08-9 (82GP: 22G, 60A, 82pts); since March 1st (21GP: 10G, 15A, 25pts); since All-Star break (34GP: 14G, 24A, 38pts) Alex Burrows: career playoffs (11GP: 1G, 0A, 1pts); '08-9 (82GP: 28G, 23A, 51pts); since March 1st (21GP: 13G, 6A, 19pts); since All-Star break (34GP: 18G, 11A, 29pts) Pavol Demitra: career playoffs (77GP: 20G, 30A, 50pts); '08-9 (69GP: 20G, 33A, 53pts); since March 1st (21GP: 4G, 11A, 15pts); since All-Star break (32GP: 7G, 21A, 28pts) Kevin Bieksa: career playoffs (9GP: 0G, 0A, 0pts ); '08-9 (72GP: 11G, 32A, 43pts); since March 1st (20GP: 1G, 9A, 10pts); since All-Star break (33GP: 5G, 14A, 19pts) Sami Salo: career playoffs (55GP: 5G, 8A, 13pts); '08-9 (60GP: 5G, 20A, 25pts); since March 1st (21GP: 1G, 9A, 10pts); since All-Star break (34GP: 3G, 12A, 15pts) Alexander Edler: career playoffs (3GP: 0G, 0A, 0pts); '08-9 (80GP: 10G, 27A, 37pts); since March 1st (21GP: 3G, 5A, 8pts); since All-Star break (34GP: 7G, 12A, 19pts)
Starting goalie: Roberto Luongo. Career playoffs (12GP: 5-7, 1.77GAA, .941SV%, 0SO); '08-9 (54GP: 33-13-7, 2.34GAA, .920SV%, 9SO ); since All-Star break (32GP: 22-7-3, 2.32GAA, .919SV%, 4SO)
Quick notes: The fact that it's actually tough to pick the order of Canucks here is a sign that they could actually do some damage in the playoffs this time around. Kesler and Burrows should each be made for post-season hockey with their styles of play. Burrows in particular should help the Sedins succeed. Sundin drew the first spot here out of sheer respect for his past playoff point production.
Andy McDonald: career playoffs (37GP: 12G, 11A, 23pts); '08-9 (46GP: 15G, 29A, 44pts); since March 1st (20GP: 6G, 12A, 18pts); since All-Star break (30GP: 9G, 17A, 26pts) Brad Boyes: career playoffs (0GP: 0G, 0A, 0pts); '08-9 (82GP: 33G, 39A, 72pts); since March 1st (20GP: 8G, 13A, 21pts); since All-Star break (36GP: 13G, 22A, 35pts) David Backes: career playoffs (0GP: 0G, 0A, 0pts); '08-9 (82GP: 31G, 23A, 54pts); since March 1st (22GP: 13G, 7A, 20pts); since All-Star break (36GP: 15G, 14A, 29pts) Keith Tkachuk: career playoffs (85GP: 28G, 28A, 56pts); '08-9 (79GP: 25G, 24A, 49pts); since March 1st (19GP: 7G, 6A, 13pts); since All-Star break (35GP: 10G, 8A, 18pts) T.J. Oshie: career playoffs (0GP: 0G, 0A, 0pts); '08-9 (57GP: 14G, 25A, 39pts); since March 1st (20GP: 5G, 11A, 16pts); since All-Star break (35GP: 9G, 18A, 27pts) Paul Kariya: career playoffs (46GP: 16G, 23A, 39pts); '08-9 (11GP: 2G, 13A, 15pts); since March 1st (0GP: 0G, 0A, 0pts); since All-Star break (0GP: 0G, 0A, 0pts) David Perron: career playoffs (0GP: 0G, 0A, 0pts); '08-9 (81GP: 15G, 35A, 50pts); since March 1st (20GP: 6G, 6A, 12pts); since All-Star break (36GP: 10G, 10A, 20pts) Patrik Berglund: career playoffs (0GP: 0G, 0A, 0pts); '08-9 (76GP: 21G, 26A, 47pts); since March 1st (19GP: 4G, 5A, 9pts); since All-Star break (35GP: 7G, 10A, 17pts) Carlo Colaiacovo: career playoffs (0GP: 0G, 0A, 0pts); '08-9 (73GP: 3G, 27A, 30pts); since March 1st (20GP: 0G, 8A, 8pts); since All-Star break (36GP: 2G, 15A, 17pts)
Starting goalie: Chris Mason. Career playoffs (5GP: 1G, 4A, 3.45GAA, .901SV%, 0SO); '08-9 (57GP: 27-21-7, 2.41GAA, .916SV%, 6 SO); since All-Star break (36GP: 22-8-6, 2.10GAA, .924SV%, 4SO)
Quick notes: Kariya (hip surgery) is set to return for the first game, but how quickly can he get his game legs back and make an impact? He hasn't played since early November. Taking him is risky, but it certainly has a high upside if you think St. Louis will play several rounds.
Chicago Blackhawks (4) vs. Calgary Flames (5)
Martin Havlat: career playoffs (51GP: 14G, 20A, 34pts); '08-9 (81GP: 29G, 48A, 77pts); since March 1st (21GP: 9G, 15A, 24pts); since All-Star break (36GP: 14G, 26A, 40pts) Patrick Kane: career playoffs (0GP: 0G, 0A, 0pts); '08-9 (80GP: 25G, 45A, 70pts); since March 1st (22GP: 5G, 10A, 15pts); since All-Star break (37GP: 9G, 19A, 18pts) Jonathan Toews: career playoffs (0GP: 0G, 0A, 0pts); '08-9 (82GP: 34G, 35A, 69pts); since March 1st (22GP: 9G, 8A, 17points); since All-Star break (37GP: 21G, 12A, 33pts) Patrick Sharp: career playoffs (12GP: 1G, 01A, 1pts); '08-9 (61GP: 26G, 18A, 44pts); since March 1st (7GP, 3G, 2A, 5pts); since All-Star break (16GP: 5G, 4A, 9pts) Brian Campbell: career playoffs (47GP: 4G, 16A, 20pts); '08-9 (82GP: 7G, 45A, 52pts); since March 1st (22GP: 0G, 11A, 11pts); since All-Star break (37GP: 0G, 22A, 22pts) Kris Versteeg: career playoffs (0GP: 0G, 0A, 0pts); '08-9 (78GP: 22G, 31A, 53pts); since March 1st (21GP: 6G, 3A, 9pts); since All-Star break (34GP: 9G, 8A, 17pts) Andrew Ladd: career playoffs (17GP: 2G, 3A, 5pts); '08-9 (82GP: 15G, 34A, 49pts); since March 1st (22GP: 5G, 9A, 14pts); since All-Star break (37GP: 7G, 14A, 21pts) Dave Bolland: career playoffs (0GP: 0G, 0A, 0pts); '08-9 (81GP: 19G, 28A, 47pts); since March 1st (21GP: 5G, 5A, 10pts); since All-Star break (36GP: 11G, 11A, 22pts) Duncan Keith: career playoffs (0GP: 0G, 0A, 0pts); '08-9 (77GP: 8G, 36A, 44pts); since March 1st (21GP: 1G, 11A, 12pts); since All-Star break (36GP: 3G, 15A, 18pts)
Starting goalie: Nikolai Khabibulin. Career playoffs (57GP: 31G, 25A, 2.27GAA, .925SV%, 6SO); '08-9 (42GP: 25-8-7, 2.33GAA, .919SV%, 3SO); since All-Star break (18GP: 12-4-2, 2.29GAA, .914SV%, 2SO)
Quick notes: Sharp (leg) is expected to be ready for the playoffs.
Jarome Iginla: career playoffs (48GP: 25G, 20A, 45pts); '08-9 (82GP: 35G, 54A, 89pts); since March 1st (21GP: 11G, 11A, 22pts); since All-Star break (36GP: 16G, 20A, 36pts) Michael Cammalleri: career playoffs (0GP: 0G, 0A, 0pts); '08-9 (81GP: 39G, 43A, 82pts); since March 1st (21GP: 7G, 15A, 22pts); since All-Star break (36GP: 17G, 21A, 38pts) Olli Jokinen: career playoffs (0GP: 0G, 0A, 0pts); '08-9 (76GP: 29G, 28A, 57pts); since March 1st (19GP: 8G, 7A, 15pts); since All-Star break (34GP: 12G, 12A, 24pts) Dion Phaneuf: career playoffs (20GP: 5G, 4A, 9pts); '08-9 (80GP: 11G, 36A, 47pts); since March 1st (19GP: 2G, 9A, 11pts); since All-Star break (34GP: 7G, 10A, 17pts) Todd Bertuzzi: career playoffs (46GP: 9G, 14A, 23pts); '08-9 (66GP: 15G, 29A, 44pts); since March 1st (10GP: 1G, 1A, 2pts); since All-Star break (25GP: 4G, 9A, 13pts) Daymond Langkow: career playoffs (53GP: 14G, 20G, 34pts); '08-9 (73GP: 21G, 28A, 49pts); since March 1st (16GP: 3G, 4A, 7pts); since All-Star break (25GP: 5G, 7A, 12pts) Jamie Lundmark: career playoffs (4GP: 0G, 1A, 1pts); '08-9 (27GP: 8G, 8A, 16pts); since March 1st (21GP: 7G, 5A, 12pts); since All-Star break (24GP: 8G, 6A, 14pts) David Moss: career playoffs (11G, 1A, 2G, 3pts); '08-9 (81GP: 20G, 19A, 39pts); since March 1st (20GP: 4G, 6A, 10pts); since All-Star break (35GP: 5G, 11A, 16pts) Craig Conroy: career playoffs (75GP: 10G, 19A, 29pts); '08-9 (82GP: 12G, 36A, 48pts); since March 1st (21GP: 6G, 8A, 14pts); since All-Star break (36GP: 6G, 18A, 24pts)
Starting goalie: Miikka Kiprusoff. Career playoffs (50GP: 23-24, 2.19GAA, .925SV%, 6SO); '08-9 (76GP: 45-24-5, 2.84GAA, .903SV%, 4SO); since All-Star break (33GP: 17-12-2, 2.86GAA, .903SV%, 1SO)
Quick notes: Rene Bourque and Curtis Glencross may be returning for game one and if you think the Flames can make a deep run they may also be worth considering. Phaneuf missed the last few games, but even then was expected to be ready to play in the playoffs.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Boston Bruins (1) vs. Montreal Canadiens (8)
Marc Savard: career playoffs (7GP: 1G, 5A, 6pts); '08-9 (82GP: 25G, 63A, 88pts); since March 1st (19GP: 4G, 14A, 18pts); since All-Star break (35GP: 9G, 23A, 32pts) Phil Kessel: career playoffs (4G, 3G, 1A, 4pts); '08-9 (70GP: 36G, 24A, 60pts); since March 1st (13GP: 10G, 3A, 13pts); since All-Star break (28GP: 12G, 7A, 19pts) David Krejci: career playoffs (7GP: 1G, 4A, 5pts); '08-9 (82GP: 22G, 51A, 73pts); since March 1st (19GP: 2G, 11A, 13pts); since All-Star break (35GP: 5G, 16A, 21pts) Mark Recchi: career playoffs (140GP: 47G, 70A, 117pts); '08-9 (80GP: 23G, 38A, 61pts); since March 1st (19GP: 10G, 11A, 21pts); since All-Star break (33GP: 13G, 17A, 30pts) Patrice Bergeron: career playoffs (7G, 1G, 3A, 4pts); '08-9 (64GP: 8G, 31A, 39pts); since March 1st (17GP: 2G, 11A, 13pts); since All-Star break (33GP: 4G, 17A, 21pts) Zdeno Chara: career playoffs (52GP: 4G, 12A, 16pts); '08-9 (80GP: 19G, 31A, 50pts); since March 1st (17GP: 4G, 9A, 13pts); since All-Star break (33GP: 8G, 13A, 21GP) Dennis Wideman: career playoffs (6GP: 0G, 3A, 3pts); '08-9 (79GP: 13G, 37A, 50pts); since March 1st (17GP: 1G, 6A, 8pts); since All-Star break (33GP: 4G, 15A, 19pts) Milan Lucic: career playoffs (7G, 2G, 0A, 2pts); '08-9 (72GP: 17G, 25A, 42pts); since March 1st (18GP: 4G, 4A, 8pts); since All-Star break (32GP: 6G, 10A, 16pts) Michael Ryder: career playoffs (21GP: 3G, 5A, 8pts ); '08-9 (74GP: 27G, 26A, 53pts); since March 1st (19GP: 5G, 7A, 12pts); since All-Star break (27GP: 9G, 10A, 19pts)
Starting goalie: Tim Thomas. Career playoffs (7GP: 3-4, 2.65GAA, .914SV%, 0SO); '08-9 (54GP: 36-11-7, 2.10GAA, .933SV%, 5SO); since All-Star break (25GP: 16-6-3, 2.11GAA, .932SV%, 2SO)
Quick notes: Blake Wheeler probably deserved a spot inside of the top nine and he has skated with Savard recently too. The Bruins just have a really deep team this year and that's why they'll be one of the favourites in the East. Bergeron and Chara are a few of the guys nursing minor injuries, but you know how that info is guarded this time of year.
Alexei Kovalev: career playoffs (112GP: 42G, 53A, 95pts); '08-9 (78GP: 26G, 39A, 65pts); since March 1st (17GP: 11G, 8A, 19pts); since All-Star break (32GP: 14G, 18A, 32pts) Saku Koivu: career playoffs (50GP: 16G, 29A, 45pts); '08-9 (65GP: 16G, 34A, 50pts); since March 1st (19GP: 5G, 7A, 15pts); since All-Star break (36GP: 9G, 18A, 27pts) Alex Tanguay: career playoffs (96GP: 19G, 39A, 58pts); '08-9 (50GP: 16G, 25A, 41pts); since March 1st (16GP: 6G, 9A, 15pts); since All-Star break (16GP: 6G, 9A, 15pts ) Mathieu Schneider: career playoffs (109GP: 10G, 43A, 53pts); '08-9 (67GP: 9G, 23A, 32pts); since March 1st (17GP: 2G, 9A, 11pts); since All-Star break (32GP: 5G, 17A, 22pts) Tomas Plekanec: career playoffs (18GP: 4G, 9A, 13pts); '08-9 (80GP: 20G, 19A, 39pts); since March 1st (19GP: 3G, 1A, 4pts); since All-Star break (34GP: 11G, 8A, 19pts) Andrei Kostitsyn: career playoffs (12GP: 5G, 3A, 8pts); '08-9 (74GP: 23G, 18A, 41pts); since March 1st (15GP: 1G, 2A, 3pts); since All-Star break (32GP: 7G, 6A, 13pts) Christopher Higgins: career playoffs (18GP: 4G, 5A, 9pts ); '08-9 (57GP: 12G, 11A, 23pts); since March 1st (19GP: 4G, 3A, 7pts); since All-Star break (36GP: 7G, 7A, 14pts) Roman Hamrlik: career playoffs (67GP: 2G, 22A, 24pts); '08-9 (81GP: 6G, 27A, 33pts); since March 1st (19GP: 2G, 6A, 8pts); since All-Star break (36GP: 4G, 14A, 18pts) Guillaume Latendresse: career playoffs (8GP: 0G, 1A, 1pts); '08-9 (56GP: 14G, 12A, 26pts); since March 1st (13GP: 5G, 3A, 8pts); since All-Star break (17GP: 6G, 3A, 9pts)
Starting goalie: Carey Price. Career playoffs (11GP: 5-6, 2.78GAA, .901SV%, 2SO); '08-9 (52GP: 23-16-10, 2.83GAA, .905SV%, 1SO); since All-Star break (25GP: 7-11-5, 3.37GAA, .891SV%, 0SO)
Quick notes: No Robert Lang. No Andrei Markov, at least for now. Poolie pickings are somewhat slim here, to say the least. Some of those splits over the past month or two are just dreadful.
Washington Capitals (2) vs. New York Rangers (7)
Alexander Ovechkin: career playoffs (7GP: 4G, 5A, 9pts); '08-9 (79GP: 56G, 54A, 110pts); since March 1st (18GP: 11G, 18A, 29pts); since All-Star break (33GP: 25G, 26A, 51pts) Alexander Semin: career playoffs (7GP: 3G, 5A, 8pts); '08-9 (62GP: 34G, 45A, 79pts); since March 1st (18GP: 10G, 11A, 21pts); since All-Star break (32GP: 16G, 22A, 38pts) Mike Green: career playoffs (7GP: 3G, 4A, 7pts); '08-9 (68GP: 31G, 42A, 73pts); since March 1st (18GP: 8G, 9A, 17pts); since All-Star break (33GP: 19G, 21A, 40pts) Nicklas Backstrom: career playoffs (7GP: 4G, 2A, 6pts); '08-9 (82GP: 22G, 66A, 88pts); since March 1st (19GP: 5G, 16A, 21pts); since All-Star break (34GP: 10G, 30A, 40pts) Brooks Laich: career playoffs (7GP: 1G, 5A, 6pts); '08-9 (82GP: 23G, 30A, 53pts); since March 1st (19GP: 8G, 10A, 18pts); since All-Star break (34GP: 12G, 15A, 27pts) Sergei Fedorov: career playoffs (169GP: 51G, 117A, 168pts); '08-9 (52GP: 11G, 22A, 33pts); since March 1st (16GP: 5G, 3A, 8pts); since All-Star break (31GP: 6G, 12A, 18pts) Viktor Kozlov: career playoffs (21GP: 0G, 6A, 6pts); '08-9 (67GP: 13G, 28A, 41GP); since March 1st (18GP: 2G, 8A, 10pts); since All-Star break (24GP: 3G, 10A, 13pts) Tomas Fleischmann: career playoffs (2G, 0G, 0A, 0pts); '08-9 (73GP: 19G, 18A, 37pts); since March 1st (19GP: 2G, 3A, 5pts); since All-Star break (34GP: 4G, 9A, 13pts) Eric Fehr: career playoffs (5GP: 1G, 0A, 1pts); '08-9 (61GP: 12G, 13A, 25pts); since March 1st (19GP: 2G, 2A, 4 pts); since All-Star break (33GP: 9G, 7A, 16pts)
Starting goalie: Jose Theodore. Career playoffs (47GP: 19-26, 2.76GAA, .915SV%, 1SO); '08-9 (57GP: 32-17-5, 2.87GAA, .900SV%, 2SO); since All-Star break (27GP: 15-8-4, 2.93GAA, .902SV%, 1SO)
Quick notes: Chris Clark could make a second round return. Backstrom is expected to begin the playoffs centring Ovechkin, but we've seen that Bruce Boudreau is not afraid to move Backstrom to L2 and promote Fedorov to L1 to spread out the offensive production. Semin, Green and Backstrom were a toss-up for this list. Love them all and they each produced well last spring.
Scott Gomez: career playoffs (107GP: 25G, 51A, 76pts); '08-9 (77GP: 16G, 42A, 58pts); since March 1st (18GP: 3G, 9A, 12pts); since All-Star break (34GP: 7G, 19A, 26pts) Chris Drury: career playoffs (124GP: 46G, 41A, 87pts); '08-9 (81GP: 22G, 34A, 56pts); since March 1st (17GP: 6G, 9A, 15pts); since All-Star break (33GP: 7G, 18A, 25pts) Nik Antropov: career playoffs (28GP: 2G, 3A, 5pts); '08-9 (81GP: 28G, 31A, 59pts); since March 1st (18GP: 7G, 6A, 13pts); since All-Star break (34GP: 15G, 9A, 24pts) Sean Avery: career playoffs (18GP: 5G, 7A, 12pts); '08-9 (41GP, 8G, 14A, 22pts); since March 1st (18GP: 5G, 7A, 13pts); since All-Star break (18GP: 5G, 7A, 12pts) Ryan Callahan: career playoffs (20GP: 4G, 3A, 7pts); '08-9 (81GP: 22G, 18A, 40pts); since March 1st (18GP: 8G, 8A, 16pts); since All-Star break (33GP: 10G, 12A, 22pts) Nikolai Zherdev: career playoffs (0GP: 0G, 0A, 0pts); '08-9 (82GP: 23G, 35A, 58pts); since March 1st (18GP: 6G, 5A, 11pts); since All-Star break (34GP: 11G, 8A, 19pts) Markus Naslund: career playoffs (45GP: 13G, 20A, 33pts); '08-9 (82GP: 24G, 22A, 46pts); since March 1st (18GP: 4G, 3A, 7pts); since All-Star break (34GP: 9G, 7A, 16pts) Brandon Dubinsky: career playoffs (10GP: 4G, 4A, 8pts); '08-9 (82GP: 13G, 28A, 41pts); since March 1st (18GP: 5G, 5A, 10pts); since All-Star break (34GP: 6G, 11A, 17pts) Derek Morris: career playoffs (7GP: 0G, 3A, 3pts); '08-9 (75GP: 5G, 15A, 20pts); since March 1st (18GP: 0G, 8A, 8pts); since All-Star break (30GP: 1G, 9A, 10pts)
Starting goalie: Henrik Lundqvist. Career playoffs (23GP: 11-12, 2.57GAA, .907SV%, 2SO); '08-9 (70GP: 38-25-7, 2.43GAA, .916SV%, 3SO); since All-Star break (30GP: 14-12-4, 2.29GAA, .920SV%, 1SO)
Quick notes: Drury is listed as questionable for the first game, so take that for what it's worth. Wade Redden isn't included in the top nine because, well... have you seen his bottom line for '08-9?
New Jersey Devils (3) vs. Carolina Hurricanes (6)
Zach Parise: career playoffs (25GP: 9G, 9A, 18pts); '08-9 (82GP: 45G, 49A, 94pts); since March 1st (20GP: 7G, 11A, 18pts); since All-Star break (35GP: 17G, 22A, 39pts) Patrik Elias: career playoffs (126GP: 39G, 71A, 110pts); '08-9 (77GP: 31G, 47A, 78pts); since March 1st (15GP: 7G, 4A, 11pts); since All-Star break (30GP: 11G, 13A, 24pts) Jamie Langenbrunner: career playoffs (128GP: 31G, 51A, 82pts); '08-9 (81GP: 29G, 40A, 69pts); since March 1st (20GP: 10G, 6A, 16pts); since All-Star break (35GP: 21G, 14A, 35pts) Travis Zajac: career playoffs (16GP: 1G, 5A, 6pts); '08-9 (82GP: 20G, 42A, 62pts); since March 1st (20GP: 2G, 7A, 9pts); since All-Star break (35GP: 5G, 21A, 26pts) Brian Gionta: career playoffs (60GP: 17G, 18A, 35pts); '08-9 (81GP: 20G, 40A, 60pts); since March 1st (20GP: 7G, 6A, 13pts); since All-Star break (35GP: 9G, 13A, 22pts) Paul Martin: career playoffs (30GP: 2G, 10A, 12pts); '08-9 (73GP: 5G, 28A, 33pts); since March 1st (20GP: 1G, 10A, 11pts); since All-Star break (31GP: 1G, 18A, 19pts) Brian Rolston: career playoffs (58GP, 16G, 10A, 26pts); '08-9 (64GP: 15G, 17A, 32pts); since March 1st (20GP: 3G, 6A, 9pts); since All-Star break (35GP: 7G, 11A, 18pts) Brendan Shanahan: career playoffs (177GP: 59G, 72A, 131pts); '08-9 (34GP: 6G, 8A, 14pts); since March 1st (19GP: 2G, 5A, 7pts); since All-Star break (32GP: 5G, 8A, 13pts) Dainius Zubrus: career playoffs (56GP: 7G, 16A, 23GP); '08-9 (82GP: 15G, 25A, 40pts); since March 1st (20GP: 2G, 5A, 7pts); since All-Star break (35GP: 4G, 8A, 12pts)
Starting goalie: Martin Brodeur. Career playoffs (169GP: 95-74, 1.96GAA, .922SV%, 22SO); '08-9 (31GP: 19-9-3, 2.42GAA, .916SV%, 5SO); since All-Star break (21GP: 13-7-1, 2.54GAA, .916SV%, 3SO)
Quick notes: This is why the Devils got Shanny, so can he step up his offensive production in time for poolies?
Eric Staal: career playoffs (25GP: 9G, 19A, 28pts); '08-9 (82GP: 40G, 35A, 75pts); since March 1st (18GP: 13G, 13A, 26pts); since All-Star break (34GP: 20G, 20A, 40pts) Ray Whitney: career playoffs (65GP: 15G, 17A, 32pts); '08-9 (82GP, 24G, 53A, 77pts); since March 1st (18GP: 6G, 18A, 24pts); since All-Star break (34GP: 9G, 29A, 38pts) Rod Brind'Amour: career playoffs (141GP: 50G, 57A, 107pts); '08-9 (80GP: 16G, 35A, 51pts); since March 1st (18GP: 8G, 12A, 20pts); since All-Star break (32GP: 8G, 16A, 24pts) Erik Cole: career playoffs (25GP: 6G, 3A, 0pts); '08-9 (80GP: 18G, 24A, 42pts); since March 1st (18GP: 3G, 14A, 17pts); since All-Star break (34GP: 7G, 14A, 21pts) Tuomo Ruutu: career playoffs (0GP: 0G, 0A, 0pts); '08-9 (79GP: 26G, 28A, 54pts); since March 1st (18GP: 9G, 6A, 15pts); since All-Star break (34GP: 13G, 14A, 27pts) Anton Babchuk: career playoffs (0GP: 0G, 0A, 0pts); '08-9 (72GP: 16G, 19A, 35pts); since March 1st (18GP: 8G, 8A, 16pts); since All-Star break (4GP: 12G, 12A, 24pts) Sergei Samsonov: career playoffs (59GP: 13G, 26A, 39pts); '08-9 (81GP: 16G, 32A, 48pts); since March 1st (18GP: 3G, 9A, 12pts); since All-Star break (33GP, 7G, 17A, 24pts) Matt Cullen: career playoffs (39GP: 5G, 17A, 22pts); '08-9 (69GP: 22G, 21A, 43pts); since March 1st (10GP: 3G, 9A, 12pts); since All-Star break (26GP: 12G, 14A, 26pts) Joe Corvo: career playoffs (20GP: 2G, 7A, 9pts); '08-9 (81GP: 14G, 24A, 42pts); since March 1st (17GP: 3G, 8A, 11pts); since All-Star break (33GP: 6G, 11A, 17pts)
Starting goalie: Cam Ward. Career playoffs (23GP: 15-8, 2.14GAA, .920SV%, 2SO); '08-9 (68GP: 39-23-5, 2.44GAA, .916SV%, 6SO); since All-Star break (32GP: 21-9-2, 2.30GAA, .921SV%, 4SO)
Quick notes: Cullen (foot) is going to return to the line-up for game one, although he'll begin on L4 out of respect for the job that Jussi Jokinen has done.
Pittsburgh Penguins (4) vs. Philadelphia Flyers (5)
Sidney Crosby: career playoffs (25GP: 9G, 23A, 32pts); '08-9 (77GP: 33G, 70A, 103pts); since March 1st (17GP: 10G, 14A, 24pts); since All-Star break (30GP: 16G, 27A, 43pts) Evgeni Malkin: career playoffs (25GP: 10G, 16A, 26pts); '08-9 (82GP: 35G, 78A, 113pts); since March 1st (19GP: 7G, 17A, 24pts); since All-Star break (34GP: 16G, 27A, 43pts) Sergei Gonchar: career playoffs (83GP: 16G, 38A, 54pts); '08-9 (25GP, 6G, 13A, 19pts); since March 1st (18GP: 4G, 8A, 12pts); since All-Star break (25GP: 6G, 13A, 19pts) Chris Kunitz: career playoffs (35GP: 4G, 12A, 16pts); '08-9 (82GP: 23G, 30A, 53pts); since March 1st (19GP: 6G, 10A, 16pts); since All-Star break (33GP: 12G, 14A, 26pts) Bill Guerin: career playoffs (105GP: 28G, 22A, 50pts); '08-9 (78GP: 21G, 27A, 48pts); since March 1st (17GP: 5G, 7A, 12pts); since All-Star break (31GP: 7G, 9A, 16pts) Jordan Staal: career playoffs (25G, 9A, 1A, 10pts); '08-9 (82GP: 22A, 27A, 49pts); since March 1st (19GP: 6G, 9A, 15pts); since All-Star break (34GP: 8G, 15A, 23pts) Kris Letang: career playoffs (16GP: 0G, 2A, 2pts); '08-9 (74GP: 10G, 23A, 33pts); since March 1st (19GP: 5G, 9A, 14pts); since All-Star break (31GP: 9G, 10A, 19pts) Petr Sykora: career playoffs (108GP: 32G, 36A, 68pts); '08-9 (76GP: 25G, 21A, 46pts); since March 1st (16GP: 2G, 1A, 3pts); since All-Star break (31GP: 8G, 4A, 12pts) Ruslan Fedotenko: career playoffs (53GP: 13G, 4A, 17pts); '08-9 (65GP: 16G, 23A, 39pts); since March 1st (19GP: 3G, 9A, 12pts); since All-Star break (26GP: 5G, 13A, 18pts)
Starting goalie: Marc-Andre Fleury. Career playoffs (25GP: 15-10, 2.30GAA, .922SV%, 3SO); '08-9 (62GP: 35-18-7, 2.67GAA, .912SV%, 4SO); since All-Star break (31GP: 20-6-5, 2.54GAA, .915SV%, 2SO)
Quick notes: Sykora has been stone-cold, but Letang had been gaining steam since Ryan Whitney was shipped to California.
Mike Richards: career playoffs (23GP: 7G, 8A, 15pts); '08-9 (79GP: 30G, 50A, 80pts); since March 1st (22GP: 6G, 12A, 18pts); since All-Star break (33GP: 14G, 20A, 34pts) Jeff Carter: career playoffs (23GP: 6G, 5A, 11pts); '08-9 (82GP: 46G, 38A, 84pts); since March 1st (22GP: 10G, 9A, 19pts); since All-Star break (36GP: 16G, 17A, 33pts) Danny Briere: career playoffs (57GP: 22G, 31A, 53pts); '08-9 (29GP: 11G, 14A, 25pts); since March 1st (20GP: 6G, 10A, 16pts); since All-Star break (20GP: 6G, 10A, 16pts) Simon Gagne: career playoffs (65GP: 20G, 11A, 31pts); '08-9 (79GP: 34G, 40A, 74pts); since March 1st (22GP: 10G, 9A, 19pts); since All-Star break (36GP: 15G, 14A, 29pts) Scott Hartnell: career playoffs (33G, 6G, 7A, 13pts); '08-9 (82GP: 30G, 30A, 60pts); since March 1st (22GP: 8G, 6A, 14pts); since All-Star break (36GP: 13G, 14A, 27pts) Joffrey Lupul: career playoffs (33GP: 13G, 8A, 21pts); '08-9 (79GP: 25G, 25A, 50pts); since March 1st (22GP: 7G, 5A, 12pts); since All-Star break (36GP: 10G, 12A, 22pts) Mike Knuble: career playoffs (35GP: 6G, 10A, 16pts); '08-9 (82GP: 27G, 20A, 47pts); since March 1st (22GP: 6G, 4A, 10pts); since All-Star break (36GP: 9G, 8A, 17pts) Kimmo Timonen: career playoffs (29GP: 1G, 11A, 12pts); '08-9 (77GP: 3G, 40A, 43pts); since March 1st (21GP: 0G, 13A, 13pts); since All-Star break (32GP: 0G, 15A, 15pts) Claude Giroux: career playoffs (0GP: 0G, 0A, 0pts); '08-9 (42GP: 9G, 18A, 27pts); since March 1st (21GP: 5G, 11A, 16pts); since All-Star break (35GP: 9G, 15A, 24pts)
Starting goalie: Martin Biron. Career playoffs (17GP: 9G, 8A, 2.97GAA, .904SV%, 1SO); '08-9 (55GP: 29-19-5, 2.76GAA, .915SV%, 2SO); since All-Star break (26GP: 14-10, 2.62GAA, .924SV, 1SO)
Quick notes: All in all, the Flyers are quite healthy headed into the playoffs. If you think they'll go deep, Danny Briere is one to watch because he's buried in the 11th position on the team's scoring leaders. He's a clutch guy in the post-season though and he's been extremely hot over the past few weeks.
