Top 8 Eastern Conference playoff sleepers

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 Eastern 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.

In his first NHL season, Carl Hagelin had 14 goals, 38 points and was plus-21 in just 64 games. Much of that can be attributed to playing on a line with Brad Richards and Marian Gaborik for part of the year. He finished the season with just one point in his last 10 games, but look for Hagelin make a big impact against the Ottawa Senators as he will open up space for Richards and Gaborik to do their thing.

Honourable mention: Fourth-liner Mike Rupp broke onto the scene in 2003 with a memorable Stanley Cup finals performance with the New Jersey Devils as he scored the Cup-clinching goal. He brings a valuable toughness and exceptional leadership qualities to the Rangers.

Veteran Brian Rolston finished the regular season with 14 points in his last 12 games. Rolston won a Stanley Cup with the Devils as a rookie, and the 39-year-old would love nothing more than to bookend his 18-year NHL career with another Cup. He is defensively responsible and loves to throw pucks at the net, which can lead to rebounds and some dirty playoff goals.

Honourable mention: Players like Chris Kelly and Benoit Pouliot need to chip in with secondary scoring like Michael Ryder did last year en route to lifting Lord Stanley.

With 17 goals in 62 games, Sean Bergenheim established himself as a solid source of offence for the Florida Panthers. He registered nine goals in 16 playoff games with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2011, so he knows how to get it done in the post-season.

Honourable mention: Bergenheim’s linemates, Marcel Goc and Mikael Samuelsson, will need to help keep the puck in the New Jersey Devils’ zone.

Pascal Dupuis did something neither Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, nor any player in the NHL for that matter could accomplish this season. The 33-year-old finished the season on a 17-game point streak and is currently riding that momentum. In six games played against the Philadelphia Flyers this season he had five points, and in the first round expect him to be the benefactor of some open looks when Crosby gets double-teamed.

Honourable mention: Steve Sullivan should put up some points, and Arron Asham will keep the Flyers honest with his physical play.

Jakub Voracek has only played four career Stanley Cup playoff games, but look for him to have a breakout series. With 49 points in 78 games, the Czech is a dangerous threat in the offensive zone while at even strength. Plus, he’s got a nice head start to his playoff beard.

Honourable mention: In his first year in the NHL, 25-year-old rookie Matt Read registered 47 points in 79 games and is a quality penalty killer, scoring two shorthanded goals in the regular season.

Rookies like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Gabriel Landeskog and Jake Gardiner got plenty of media attention, while Adam Henrique flew under the radar just as his team flew under the radar among the top clubs in the Eastern Conference. Henrique had 51 points in 74 games and is strong in the faceoff circle.

Honourable mention: Alexei Ponikarovsky is a big body who will wear down the opposition’s defence by finishing his checks, and his size will pay dividends in front of the net.

When talking about the Capitals’ offence, the attention always zeroes in on Alex Ovechkin, Niklas Backstrom and Alexander Semin, and rightfully so. But Marcus Johansson will be just as key to any success Washington has in the playoffs. Ovechkin will have a shadow in the first round in the shape of 6’9″ Boston Bruins captain Zdeno Chara, but if Johansson can contribute offensively, it will ease the pressure placed on the Caps’ big three.

Honourable mention: Jason Chimera is a gritty forward who could get under the skin of the skilled Bruins forwards.

Since being acquired from the Phoenix Coyotes in December, Kyle Turris has fit in nicely with the team. Jason Spezza will get a lot of attention, so Turris will need to use his quick, accurate shot to put some pucks behind Rangers star goalie Henrik Lundqvist.

Honourable mention: Zack Smith is the type of player who should play his best hockey during intense playoff games. As long as he stays out of the penalty box, he could have an impact.

Here are a few defenceman who could put up some important numbers from the back end: Jason Garrison on Florida, Joe Corvo on Boston, and Karl Alzner on Washington.